James R. Barney, managing partner of Finnegan, is a nationally recognized patent litigator and appellate advocate known for delivering strategic, business-focused counsel to global companies in high-stakes intellectual property disputes. With a proven track record as lead counsel, James has represented clients across industries—including automotive, medical devices, chemicals, consumer electronics, financial services, and entertainment—before U.S. district courts, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
James is distinguished for his command of both technical and legal aspects of patent litigation. He has successfully argued claim construction and dispositive motions, led trial teams through all phases of litigation, and managed strategy from pre-suit investigation through appeal. His experience spans jury and bench trials, agency proceedings, arbitrations, and ADR, with additional involvement in patent litigations in Europe and Asia.
James also advises multinational clients on patent portfolio strategy, licensing, and risk mitigation. He regularly provides opinions of counsel and helps resolve disputes efficiently, often avoiding litigation. He previously led Finnegan’s appellate practice and served on the firm’s management committee before being unanimously elected as the firm’s global managing partner in July 2025.
A sought-after speaker, James lectures in the U.S. and internationally on patent litigation and appellate advocacy. He is consistently recognized for his excellence in intellectual property litigation, particularly for his work in Washington, DC. Deeply committed to pro bono service, James represents military veterans in appeals before the Federal Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and Yale Law School, he previously served as a U.S. Navy officer and is honored on the Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll.
Updated Oct 2025
