Professionals

Practice Areas

Technologies

  • Automotive Technology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science & Software
  • Electrical Engineering & Electronics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Optics
  • Semiconductor Devices & Processing Methods
  • Telecommunications

Honors

  • Top 50 Most Active Patent Attorney - High Tech, Patexia, 2023, 2024
  • Top 100 Best Performing Patent Attorney, Patexia, 2024

Admissions

  • District of Connecticut, 2000
  • U.S. District Court, 2000
  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, 1999
  • State of Connecticut, 1997

Education

Western New England University School of Law, J.D., 1997

Charter Oak College, B.S., with honors, 1991

Trinity College, with a concentration in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 1984-1986

University of Connecticut, with a concentration in Chemistry, 1979-1982

Photo of James J. Merrick, Jr.

James J. Merrick, Jr.

Partner and Chair of the Korean Practice Group
Hartford
860.286.2929, ext. 1200
Email

Jim Merrick leads the firm’s Korean Practice Group, a dedicated team of attorneys, agents, and support professionals who focus on the unique needs of Korean clients and law firms. Jim oversees the team’s work product and manages patent protection strategies aligned with client product launch timelines. Our team includes native Korean speakers who not only provide fluent language support but also bring deep cultural understanding, ensuring clear communication and meaningful collaboration.

He frequently travels to Korea to advise companies and law firms on a wide range of intellectual property (IP) issues, including litigation, infringement, licensing, and contract matters.

In addition to his international work, Jim counsels U.S.-based energy companies and universities, handling patent preparation and prosecution in the areas of mechanical and electrical engineering.

Jim’s experience also includes litigating intellectual property and insurance defense cases involving trade secrets, product liability, and personal injury claims.

Experience Highlights

Partner and Chair of the Korean Practice Group, Cantor Colburn LLP, 2009-present

Associate, Cantor Colburn LLP, 2000-2004 and 2005-2009

Associate, McCarter & English, 2004-2005

Associate, Rome McGuigan Sabanosh, P.C., 1999-2000

News

Events

  • Connecticut Invention Convention Finals
    June 10, 2023
    UConn Storrs Campus

    The Connecticut Invention Convention (CIC) Finals take place Saturday, June 10, 2023 at UConn's Storrs campus. During the judging of the student inventions, parents are invited to a presentation by Cantor Colburn attorneys Michelle P. Ciotola, chair of the Trademark & Copyright Practice, and Brad Lawrence, co-chair of the Electric Engineering Practice, called, "Options & Realities - Protecting Your Kids' IP." Eric Baron, patent attorney and chair of Cantor Colburn's Artificial Intelligence Practice, chairs the CIC board of directors, and will present the Cantor Colburn award for the Most Patentable Invention to a student inventor at the ceremony after the judging. Ali Caless and Jim Merrick are Volunteer Judges. 

  • USPTO Design Day
    April 25, 2019
    U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Alexandria Virginia

    Members of Cantor Colburn's Design Patents Practice Group will attend USPTO Design Day on April 25, 2019 in Alexandria, VA. Partner Jenae Gureff gave the presentation, "Report from the Front Line: PTAB Decisions."

  • 50th Annual Western New England University Alumni Golf Tournament
    May 25, 2018
    Wilbraham, Massachusetts

    Cantor Colburn attorneys and Western New England University (WNEU) Alumni Phil Colburn, Jim Merrick and Jim Wimpe will attend the 50th Annual WNEU Alumni Golf Tournament at the Country Club of Wilbraham in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. Cantor Colburn is a long-time supporter of the tournament, which benefits the WNEU Alumni Association Golf Tournament Endowed Scholarship.

  • USPTO Design Day
    April 25, 2018
    Alexandria, VA

    Members of Cantor Colburn's Design Patents Practice Group will attend USPTO Design Day on April 25, 2018 in Alexandria, VA. Cantor Colburn is the #3 largest filer of design patents in the country and several of our attorneys attend Design Day every year. Design Practice Co-Chair Dan Drexler will be a panelist at the event. 

  • USPTO Design Day
    April 25, 2017
    Alexandria, Virginia

    USPTO Design Day took place on Tuesday, April 25 at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in Alexandria, Virginia. Cantor Colburn is one of the largest filers of design patents in the country and our attorneys attend Design Day every year.

  • USPTO Design Day
    April 19, 2016
    Alexandria, Virginia

    This year is the 10th Anniversary of the USPTO Design Day.  Design Day is on April 19 and takes place at the PTO. The free seminar is attended by United States Patent and Trademark Office Design Examiners, Managers, Design Patent Practitioners and Industrial Designers from across the country.

  • LES Asia-Pacific Regional Conference 2014
    November 5, 2014
    Seoul, Korea

    Cantor Colburn is proud to be a gold sponsor of the Licensing Executive Society Asia-Pacific's 5th Annual Regional Conference.  Partner and Korean Practice Group Chair Jim Merrick and Associate Jaehoon Kim will attend the event. 

  • 2014 USPTO Design Day
    April 8, 2014
    Alexandria, Virginia

    USPTO offers its annual Design Day.

Professional Affiliations

American Intellectual Property Law Association

Intellectual Property Owners Association

Connecticut Bar Association

SEMI

Community/Civic Involvement

Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, Volunteer

MIT Parent Liaison Committee, Member

Talcott Mountain Science Center's STEM Advisory Committee, Member