The recipient of numerous awards for his client service, intellectual property lawyer David Jinkins advocates for clients in an array of complex issues in such venues as federal trial and appellate courts and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. His client base encompasses organizations from the manufacturing, agriculture, life sciences and biotechnology industries.

Taking the first chair, David vigorously represents and defends clients in patent disputes and post-grant proceedings and in litigation involving trademarks, trade dress, trade secrets, copyright infringement, brand protection, counterfeiting, freedom to operate (FTO) and pharmaceuticals and medical devices. David also advocated before the U.S. Supreme Court in Bowman v. Monsanto, an important patent rights case.

As a licensed patent attorney with academic training in molecular cellular and developmental biology, David brings to his practice a multifaceted understanding of his clients’ concerns and objectives and the ability to advantageously advise clients in many varieties of IP litigation. He draws on his excellent listening and communication skills, which enhances his effectiveness as a legal advisor In addition to building cohesive teams with other attorneys, he forges durable relationships with those he represents. David finds it gratifying to collaborate and strategize with clients to resolve their issues and optimally help them pursue and achieve commercial success.

experience

Nite Glow Industries Inc. et al v. Central Garden & Pet Company et al

June 2018, a New Jersey jury found a major product manufacturer liable for patent infringement, breach of contract, and misappropriation of idea, and awarded over $11 million in damages to Thompson Coburn’s clients, plaintiffs Marni Markell and her company Nite Glow Industries. The jury also found the infringement to be willful.

Bowman v. Monsanto Co. et al

May 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously sided with Monsanto in a case centering on a farmer’s ability to save and replant Monsanto-developed genetically modified seeds. The decision could have far-reaching effects for other companies that produce self-replicating technologies such as vaccines and cell lines.

  • Washington University in St. Louis, J.D., 1997
  • University of South Carolina, M.S., Molecular Cellular & Developmental Biology, 1994
  • Presbyterian College, B.S., Biology/Minor Business, 1989

Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois
  • Missouri

Court Admissions

  • The Supreme Court of the United States
  • United States Patent and Trademark Office
  • U.S. District Court, Central District, Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District, Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District, Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District, Missouri
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims

  • American Bar Association
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago
  • Missouri Bar Association
  • The American Intellectual Property Law Association
  • The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

  • Listed in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, (by Thomson Reuters) 2018-2019
  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America, (by BL Rankings) 2016-2025, Copyright Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law
  • Listed in Chambers USA, Intellectual Property, Missouri, 2020-2024

I enjoy spending time with my family, exercising, playing golf, and doing yard work.