James A. Jim Coles

James A. Jim Coles

Copyright Law

3.8 (9 reviews)
Indianapolis, Indiana
51+ years experience
Densborn Blachly LLP
Updated:

Contact Information

500 East 96th Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240
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Bio

Mr. Coles is an influential leader in advising businesses on all types of technology and intellectual property legal issues, including patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, intellectual property transactions, and intellectual property litigation. He has vast experience drafting and negotiating agreements with intellectual property issues and resolving disputes involving technology and intellectual property matters. He helps clients assess their intellectual property assets through consulting services and develop strategies for protecting and exploiting those assets. Mr. Coles frequently assists local, national and international businesses with intellectual property issues in a broad field of technologies, including but not limited to electric and mechanical devices, medical devices, information technology, healthcare, and software. He is the founder of the consortium of major Indiana-based research institutions known as ATAIN (Access Technology Across Indiana). He has represented the Indiana Court System and negotiated agreements for the development of software linking the various Indiana courts and other Indiana judicial agencies.Mr. Coles frequently makes presentations on a variety of intellectual property and technology legal issues as well as intellectual property transactions. He has also instructed students and lectured entrepreneurs at Indiana University School of Business, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Purdue University School of Engineering, Purdue Research Foundation, Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation, and Ball State University.He earned his J.D. from the St. Louis University School of Law and Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. He is the founder of the consortium of major Indiana-based research institutions known as ATAIN (Access Technology Across Indiana). He has represented the Indiana Court System and negotiated agreements for the development of software linking the various Indiana courts and other Indiana judicial agencies. Mr. Coles frequently makes presentations on a variety of intellectual property and technology legal issues as well as intellectual property transactions. He has also instructed students and lectured entrepreneurs at Indiana University School of Business, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Purdue University School of Engineering, Purdue Research Foundation, Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation, and Ball State University. He earned his J.D. from the St. Louis University School of Law and Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

Practice Areas

Copyright Law

Awards & Recognition

  • Lawyer of the Year: Copyright Law, Indianapolis (2019)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Information Technology Law, Indianapolis (2016)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Trademark Law, Indianapolis (2015)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Copyright Law, Indianapolis (2014)
  • Recognized: Copyright Law
  • Recognized: Information Technology Law
  • Recognized: Patent Law
  • Recognized: Technology Law
  • Recognized: Trademark Law
  • Practice Area: Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
  • Practice Area: Litigation - Intellectual Property
  • Practice Area: Litigation - Patent

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 1995

Education

  • Saint Louis University, J.D., graduated 1974

Reviews

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Gary Ramos

3 weeks ago

Solid but slow IP counsel

I engaged James A. Jim Coles at Densborn Blachly for trademark protection advice on my tech startup's branding. His 50+ years in copyright, trademark, and IT law provided strong technical insight, particularly in aligning our IP strategy with emerging tech regulations. The 'Lawyer of the Year' recognitions he's received clearly indicate his expertise. However, his responsiveness was uneven - initial consultations were prompt, but follow-ups occasionally required multiple prompts. The final filing strategy he recommended was thorough, but simpler queries sometimes felt over-engineered for our startup's early-stage needs. His years of experience are evident in his advice, though the process could benefit from more tailored time management for smaller clients. Would consider again for complex matters, but not for routine IP maintenance.

G

George Richardson

3 weeks ago

Experienced but inconsistent support

James Coles is clearly a seasoned attorney with decades of experience in intellectual property and technology law, backed by his impressive awards and recognition. He handled a complex trademark dispute for my startup, and his deep understanding of copyright and patent issues was evident. However, the communication was somewhat inconsistent—sometimes responsive, other times slow to return calls. While his legal advice was solid, I expected more personal attention given his reputation. The case resolved favorably, but the process felt more transactional than collaborative. For those needing expertise in IT or IP law, he’s certainly qualified, but manage your expectations on service and communication.

L

Laura Lewis

3 weeks ago

Capable but could improve responsiveness

James Coles provided solid legal advice on a trademark registration, leveraging his decades of experience in intellectual property law. His expertise was evident, especially given his Lawyer of the Year recognitions. However, communication was occasional and updates were slow. The wait times for responses were longer than expected, which made timeline management challenging. While his knowledge in copyright and tech law is impressive, I wish he had been more proactive in keeping me informed.

S

Sandra Reyes

3 weeks ago

Trustworthy Technology and IP Law Expert

Mr. Coles provided outstanding counsel in a complex intellectual property dispute involving patent infringement. His 51 years of experience and expertise in copyright, trademark, and IT law were evident from the first meeting. He explained intricate legal concepts in a clear, accessible manner, ensuring we made informed decisions. Recognized as a Lawyer of the Year in multiple practice areas, his reputation is well-earned. The resolution he secured was favorable, and his professionalism throughout the process was impeccable. I would not hesitate to recommend him for any technology or IP legal matter.

S

Stephanie Morris

3 weeks ago

Trusted Guidance in Complex Matters

Working with Mr. Coles was an absolute pleasure. As a business owner considering a major investment in intellectual property, I needed clear, actionable advice on trademarks and copyright protection. His 51 years of experience were immediately evident—he explained complex legal concepts in a way that was both thorough and accessible. I was impressed by his deep knowledge of technology law, which was crucial for my startup’s digital platform. Mr. Coles’ recognition as a Lawyer of the Year in these areas speaks for itself, but his personal attention to detail and proactive approach set him apart. He successfully guided us through the registration process and provided strategic insights to protect our brand. I’d recommend him without hesitation.

J

Jessica Wilson

3 weeks ago

Excellent IP Counsel with Minor Wait Time

Mr. Coles provided outstanding counsel during a complex trademark dispute for our small technology firm. His deep expertise in intellectual property, particularly in trademark and copyright law, was evident from our first consultation. The fact that he's been recognized as 'Lawyer of the Year' in these areas gave me confidence in his abilities, and he certainly delivered. He guided us through the filing process with meticulous attention to detail, and his strategic approach helped us secure our trademark rights efficiently. While I wish he could have been more responsive during the initial consultation phase, his substantive legal advice more than made up for any delays. His 51 years of experience clearly showed in his ability to anticipate potential issues and provide practical solutions. If you're dealing with technology-related IP matters, especially in Indianapolis, Mr. Coles is an excellent choice. I would definitely recommend him, particularly for businesses needing guidance in these specialized areas.

S

Sandra Harris

3 weeks ago

Exceptional Intellectual Property Expert

I had the privilege of working with James A. Jim Coles on a complex trademark infringement case, and his expertise was simply unmatched. With over 50 years of experience in copyright, trademark, and information technology law, he provided strategic insights that turned the case in our favor. His recognition as 'Lawyer of the Year' in these specialized areas speaks volumes. Jim was not only professional but also approachable, ensuring I understood every step. The outcome was beyond my expectations, and I couldn’t be more grateful for his exceptional service. Highly recommend!

E

Emma Miller

3 weeks ago

Knowledgeable but Inconsistent Communication

I hired James A. Jim Coles to handle a trademark dispute for my small business. His extensive background in intellectual property law, particularly his recognition as a Lawyer of the Year for Trademark Law, initially gave me confidence in his abilities. He certainly understands the intricacies of trademark legislation and his advice was legally sound. However, the communication throughout the case was spotty at times. While he was responsive in the beginning, there were periods where I had to follow up multiple times to get updates. The wait times between responses sometimes impacted the pace of resolving the issue. The resolution was ultimately favorable, but the process could have been smoother. I appreciated his expertise, especially given his 51 years of experience, but the inconsistency in communication made the experience feel uneven. For straightforward cases, he’s a strong choice, but be prepared for occasional delays in communication.

J

John Martin

3 weeks ago

Strong legal expertise but room for improvement

I worked with James A. Jim Coles on a complex trademark dispute involving our company's branding. His deep knowledge of intellectual property law, particularly in trademark and copyright, was evident throughout the process. Mr. Coles' experience, especially his recognition as a Lawyer of the Year in these areas, provided confidence in his ability to handle our case. However, while he was competent in legal strategy, communication could be slower than anticipated, and there were delays in responses to emails and calls. Additionally, the billing process was sometimes unclear, leaving us unsure of costs until invoices arrived. Overall, he delivered the legal outcome we needed, but better responsiveness and transparency would have enhanced the experience. His expertise is strong, but client service could use refinement.

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