Profile

James “Jim” M. Yanney is an associate attorney in Houston’s Intellectual Property group. James focuses his practice at the intersection of intellectual property, litigation, and technology, bringing a rare combination of courtroom and technical experience to his representation of clients.

After earning his J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law, where he was a member of the Texas Intellectual Property Law Journal, James began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in the San Antonio area. During his tenure at the district attorney’s office, he tried numerous complex cases before Texas juries, developing strong trial skills while serving his community and advocating for victims of serious crimes.

Following his public service, James founded his own law firm in San Antonio, representing clients in business litigation, criminal defense, and personal injury matters. Through this work, he identified a significant market need for attorneys capable of advising clients at the convergence of law and rapidly evolving technology. While continuing to operate his firm, he returned to university and earned a degree in electrical engineering, with a concentration in computer engineering, graduating summa cum laude from University of Texas at San Antonio.

James has passed the United States Patent Bar and is in the process of completing registration as a patent attorney. He most recently completed a clerkship with a prestigious patent boutique in Austin, where he assisted in securing patents for some of the world’s largest technology companies, including work involving memory and processor architecture and artificial intelligence technologies.

With his background in litigation, business, and engineering, James offers clients a distinctive skill set and practical perspective. He is well positioned to assist clients in procuring, protecting, and enforcing intellectual property rights before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, in court, and through strategic negotiation.

Professional Affiliations

• Texas Bar Association
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers