James E. Hudson III

Shareholder
713.752.8652
jhudson@craincaton.com

vCard

Experience

James E. “Jim” Hudson III has been practicing intellectual property law since 1997, when he was admitted to practice before the United States Patent & Trademark Office and the State Bar of Texas. Mr. Hudson also assists clients to identify, protect and enforce rights in patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets.

Mr. Hudson is experienced in obtaining patents in the United States ranging from horse feeders to chromatography. He works in several foreign countries to secure patent rights abroad as well. Mr. Hudson also assists clients to determine the potential scope of patent protection, to transfer patent rights, and in assessing potential patent infringement.

Mr. Hudson’s trademark practice is directed to protecting the distinctive words, image and product appearance of client goods and/or services, whether in the United States or, by working with law firm around the globe to secure trademark rights in foreign countries. Mr. Hudson assists clients in selecting protectible trademarks, in obtaining and maintaining trademark rights, and enforcing those rights against others.

Mr. Hudson’s copyright practice assists clients in securing and defending artistic expression, regardless of its form. Mr. Hudson additionally counsels clients on timely securing and enforcing the broadest rights in their copyrightable works and assists clients on acquiring or transferring those rights.

Mr. Hudson also counsels clients regarding proprietary information, including creation of corporate safeguards, non-disclosure agreements, and non-compete agreements, as well as leading actions to enforce those safeguards.

Representative Experience

King Empire, Inc. v. Milan Courtyard Homes, L.P., et al., 173 F.Supp.2d 649 (S.D.Tex), assisted in obtaining partial summary judgment reducing potential liability for claims of copyright infringement incident to use of architect’s plans to complete construction project after architect’s departure.

Rolex Watch U.S.A., Inc. v. JBJ Distributors, Inc. (S.D.Tex.), Second chair counsel in defense of watch modifier against claims of trademark infringement, counterfeiting and dilution.

Orgeron v. Seatrax, Inc.; In the 280th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas, Second chair counsel in enforcement of non-compete agreement, resolved after jury selection.

Paula Margreiter v. Judy Harrold and Cracker Barrel Old Time Country Stores (S.D.Tex.), obtained judgment for client on creation of yard decoration against infringing manufacturer on copyright infringement and trade dress infringement claims.

SeaTrax, Inc. v. Sonbeck Int’l, Inc. et al.; 200 F.3d 358 (5th Cir. 2000), argued case to 5th Circuit Court of Appeals panel on appeal of trademark infringement and trade secret misappropriation claims.

KTXI Computing Technologies, Inc. v. Camerjan Enterprises, Inc. et al, (S.D.Tex.), obtained by summary judgment a final judgment that client had not infringed the copyrights or trademarks of plaintiff.

Ellis v. Precision Engine Rebuilders, Inc.; 68 S.W.3d 894 (2002), 1st District Court of Appeals, obtained summary judgment of no liability for contract breach or deceptive trade practice, and obtained affirmance on appeal.

Page v. Structural Wood Components, Inc., 57 S.W.3d 524 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 2001), reversed and rendered 102 S.W.3d 720 (Tex.2003), assisted in obtaining trial judgment on breach of contract and materialman’s lien, argued to and obtained affirmance on appeal to intermediate appellate court, argued to Texas Supreme Court which reversed and rendered on question of first impression.