James F. McDonough, III

James F. McDonough, III is a seasoned patent litigator with a significant focus on complex technology-oriented disputes, primarily representing plaintiffs in patent enforcement and monetization efforts. He is a Partner at Rozier Hardt McDonough PLLC, having also appeared in cases for IP Investments Group and Stamoulis & Weinblatt.

McDonough's practice centers on a diverse range of technologies, including wireless communication (5G, 802.11/Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HEVC video encoding), Internet of Things (IoT) and smart home systems, cloud computing, data communication, and telecommunications. His case history overwhelmingly demonstrates a plaintiff-side preference, with 11 out of 12 tracked appearances on behalf of plaintiffs. This aligns with a strategy of patent enforcement to secure licensing agreements and recoveries for clients.

He has been lead counsel in several notable cases, including IoT Innovations LLC v. Generac Power Systems, an IoT infringement action that settled within 105 days. He also represented IoT Innovations LLC in a multi-action proceeding against Savant Technologies involving smart home patents, and successfully defended against a motion to dismiss in IOT Innovations LLC v. SimpliSafe, Inc., a case concerning 17 patents related to remote smart device communications. McDonough has also appeared as counsel of record at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. His experience includes securing a jury verdict awarding all damages sought in a trial concerning patented infrared thermal imaging technology.

McDonough possesses experience in post-grant proceedings, having been listed as pro hac vice counsel for the Patent Owner in IPR2024-00839 before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). He earned his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Emory University School of Law, where he also obtained a certificate in Technology Commercialization from a joint program with the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is admitted to practice in Georgia, various U.S. District Courts including the Eastern and Western Districts of Texas, and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Federal, Eighth, Tenth, and Eleventh Circuits, among others.