James Klobucar is a patent attorney at Gearhart Law focused on intellectual property law, with experience advising clients on patent prosecution, patent portfolio management, and related intellectual property matters. As Chair of the firm’s Consumer and Design Patents Group, his practice spans design patents, utility patents, and trademark prosecution across a range of technology areas, including: consumer products, mechanical inventions, and wireless communication and electronic devices.
James originally intended to pursue a career in medicine before being introduced to intellectual property law by a practicing attorney. The combination of science, analytical thinking, and legal strategy led him to pursue a career focused on helping inventors and businesses protect their innovations. He holds a double major in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Chemistry from Cornell College and earned his law degree from the University of New Hampshire School of Law, a program widely recognized within the intellectual property community. He is admitted to practice in Massachusetts.
He approaches his work with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset, believing that effective legal counsel should help clients identify pathways forward while navigating legal and regulatory requirements. His focus is on helping inventors, entrepreneurs, and startups protect the ideas and technologies that drive long-term growth and development, which he considers to be a genuine passion. He is also a member of the American Bar Association and the Massachusetts Bar Association.
In addition to his work at the firm, James serves as Patent Executive in Residence at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), based within its Enterprise Development Center incubator. In this pro bono role, he provides IP counsel to early-stage companies and inventors navigating the patent process for the first time, a reflection of his commitment to supporting the broader innovation community.
Clients have praised James for his responsiveness, strategic thinking, and ability to guide complex patent matters efficiently and effectively. One client described him as “always responsive” and noted that his work consistently demonstrated the right approach while delivering significant value throughout the patent process. He continues to work closely with inventors and companies across a range of industries, helping clients develop intellectual property strategies that support both their immediate goals and long-term business objectives.
Publications & Presentations
- Presenter: Morris/Essex Attorney Group, Virtual Design Patents, Livingston, NJ, May 12, 2015
- Presenter: Technology & Entrepreneurship Talent Network, Patents & Beyond: IP for the Tech Community, Summit, NJ, April 16, 2015
- Presenter: Foodpreneur® Recipe For Success Boot Camp, An Intellectual Property Recipe For Success, Somerset, NJ, March 28, 2015
- Presenter: Foodpreneur® Recipe For Success Boot Camp, An Intellectual Property Recipe For Success, Hillsborough, NJ, February 23, 2015
- Presenter: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Lessons in Intellectual Property for Start-Ups and Entrepreneurs, Newark, NJ, February 12, 2015
- Gudavalli, S., Kawka, E., Klobucar, J., Krutsinger, R., Mangalagiri, S., Moscati, E., Preiss, M., Ramani, N., Stanford, A., Verryt, K. 2011. Patent Landscape of Algae Biodiesel: Applicable Genetic Engineering Technologies. University of New Hampshire School of Law Educational Report.
Education
- J.D. – University of New Hampshire School of Law (formerly Franklin Pierce Law Center)
- B.A. – Cornell College, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Chemistry
Bar Admission
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Memberships
- American Bar Association (ABA)
- Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA)
Court Admissions
- Massachusetts
- CAFC – Ct Appeals for Fed Circuit
- USPTO