Biography

James Harper is a patent attorney in the firm’s Intellectual Property practice group. Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, his main focus is on client counseling, opinions, due diligence and the preparation and prosecution of U.S. and international patent applications in diverse technologies including agricultural chemicals, small molecule pharmaceuticals, fermentation, grain processing, pesticides, optical imaging agents, silicon semiconductors, nanotechnology, solar energy, medical devices and complex chemical processes.

Joining his background in engineering with that of law gives Jim an added perspective when working with clients to effectively develop patent strategies and maximize intellectual property protection. Within a variety of countries and regions, he gets to see the cutting edge of technology as he guides inventors through patent application preparation and prosecution, patent portfolio management, agreements, patent oppositions and patentability, infringement and freedom-to-operate analyses. Keeping tabs on the industry as a whole, Jim provides product design counseling to enhance intellectual property value and protection.

Education

  • Saint Louis University School of Law  (J.D., cum laude, 1994)
    • Order of the Woolsack, top 10%
  • University of Missouri  (B.S., 1982)
    • Chemical Engineering
  • University of Missouri  (B.S., 1978)
    • Biochemistry

Admissions

  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, 2002
  • Missouri, 1994

Professional Activities

  • The Missouri Bar

Charitable and Civic Involvement

  • City of Clayton, Missouri (Parks Board)
  • Innovate Mentoring Service (Volunteer Mentor)
  • Saint Louis RCGA (Business Plan Competition Judge)
  • Self-Defense Instructor for Various Organizations (Volunteer)

Background

Prior to joining the firm, Jim was in private practice at another large area intellectual property firm. Before practicing law, he gained 20 years of industry experience in a wide variety of technical and managerial roles in the fields of biochemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry, fermentation technology, botanicals, paints and coatings, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. While in law school, Jim worked full time as a pharmaceutical manufacturing principal chemical engineer and manufacturing manager.

Highlights

News Item

Missouri Lawyers Weekly Names Ty Ketchum to 2026 Employment Law Power List

Tyson Ketchum
Thought Leadership

Supreme Court Upholds SEC’s Disgorgement Power But Leaves Some Questions Unanswered

Advisory
News Item

Donna Schmitt, Armstrong Teasdale Recognized in 2026 Copyright 1000

Donna Schmitt
Experience

Formation of Equity Joint Venture for $1 Billion Insurance Consortium

Represented a non-controlling owner in the formation of an equity joint venture that served as a managing general underwriter for a consortium of insurance companies with more than $1 billion in annual revenues, and...

News Item

Maureen Bryan Recognized as Illinois Legal Leader

Maureen Bryan
News Item

Armstrong Teasdale Expands Corporate Practice in Chicago with Partner Tracy Jacobson and Counsel Jason Faust

National law firm Armstrong Teasdale is continuing to grow its Corporate Services Group’s Chicago presence with the addition of Partner Tracy Jacobson and Counsel Jason Faust. Jacobson comes to Armstrong with 20 years of...

Thought Leadership

Colorado A-Companies: Options for Artists and Investors Nationwide

Advisory
Thought Leadership

Series Season 3, Episode 7: Securities Regulation and Enforcement Series - Spotlight on CFP Board - Innovation, Investor Protection, and the Fight Against Financial Fraud

Thought Leadership

What To Expect From Colorado's New Artist Co. Structure

Colorado recently enacted the Colorado Artist Company Act, a first-of-its-kind statute creating artist companies, or A-Corps — a variant of a Colorado limited liability company with certain artist-friendly default provisions. The act became effective...

Thought Leadership

Standards of Review Take Center Stage in Trademark Case Accepted by SCOTUS

Kyle Gottuso and Blake Chrismer
Contact Us
  • Worldwide
  • Chicago, IL
  • Denver, CO
  • Edwardsville, IL
  • Jefferson City, MO
  • Kansas City, MO
  • Miami, FL
  • New York, NY
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • St. Louis, MO
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Wilmington, DE
Worldwide
abstract image of world map
Chicago, IL
100 North Riverside Plaza
Suite 1500
Chicago, IL 60606-1520
Google Maps
Chicago, Illinois
Denver, CO
4600 South Syracuse Street
Suite 1400
Denver, CO 80237
Google Maps
Denver, Colorado
Edwardsville, IL
115 N. Second St.
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Google Maps
Edwardsville, Illinois
Jefferson City, MO
101 E. High St.
First Floor
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Google Maps
Jefferson City, Missouri
Kansas City, MO
2345 Grand Blvd.
Suite 1500
Kansas City, MO 64108
Google Maps
Kansas City, Missouri
Miami, FL
355 Alhambra Circle
Suite 1200
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Google Maps
Photo of Miami, Florida
New York, NY
400 Park Ave.
12th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Google Maps
New York City skyline
Philadelphia, PA
100 North 18th Street, Suite 710
Two Logan Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Google Maps
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
St. Louis, MO
7700 Forsyth Blvd.
Suite 1800
St. Louis, MO 63105
Google Maps
St. Louis, Missouri
Washington, D.C.
1717 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20006
Google Maps
Photo of Washington, D.C. with the Capitol in the foreground and Washington Monument in the background.
Wilmington, DE
1007 North Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
Google Maps
Wilmington, Delaware