J. Daniel Harkins

Member


Dan Harkins is a business lawyer who litigates IP disputes. That's an important distinction.

Despite the contentiousness of a patent, trademark, copyright, or trade secret case or the temperature in the courtroom, he remains intently focused on the client's best interests—what's best for their business.

The leader of Dykema's intellectual property and IP litigation group, Dan helps manufacturers, retailers, and other clients understand the value of their IP assets and develops strategies to protect and defend those assets against challenges.

What distinguishes him from fellow attorneys is his perspective and judgment. When other lawyers and litigants get caught up in the emotion and acrimony, Dan can step back, thoughtfully assess the situation, and deliver insightful answers to resolve the dispute.

Many of the mid-sized companies Dan represents have never faced a patent, trademark, or copyright infringement claim or encountered a patent or copyright “troll." That initial threat to their products, software, brands, or domain names is often a shock because they may not know the stress litigation places on their people, resources, and bottom lines.

Dan is as much a counselor as a litigator; clients value his calm demeanor, steady approach, and determination to resolve matters in ways that make good business and financial sense.

Another of Dan's strengths is his ability to learn the invention or art central to each case and explain the details in plain English to judges, juries, arbitrators, and mediators. He knows if the triers of fact don't understand the specifics of your claim or defense, they won't rule in your favor.

Dan uses these same skills in other cases he litigates, including unfair competition, software failure, franchise and distributor, and general commercial disputes. He also advises clients in transactions matters, providing guidance on corporate structure, contracts, and other business issues to prevent or mitigate risk and potential litigation.

Outside the office, Dan is an active participant and current president of the American Inn of Court in San Antonio, where he mentors newer attorneys on courtesy and civility and helps develop relationships between attorneys and judges.

Essentially, I'm a nice guy who litigates. But that doesn't make me any less formidable.
    • St. Mary's University School of Law, J.D., with honors, 1987
    • University of Dallas, B.A., Political Philosophy, cum laude, 1981
  • Bar Admissions

    • Texas, 1987
  • Court Admissions

    • U.S. Supreme Court
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Northern, Southern, Western and Eastern Districts of Texas
    • Recognized by San Antonio Magazine in "San Antonio's Top Attorneys" for Intellectual Property Rights, 2019-2022

    • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Copyright, Trademark and Patent Law, Litigation - Intellectual Property, and Litigation - Patent, 2011-2023

    • Martindale-Hubbell® AV® PreeminentTM Peer Review Rating
    • Named by The Best Lawyers in America® as San Antonio Intellectual Property Litigation "Lawyer of the Year," (2013, 2016, 2018, and 2023) and Litigation (Patent) "Lawyer of the Year" (2015)

    • Recognized by S.A. Scene in "San Antonio’s Best Lawyers" for Intellectual Property Litigation and Intellectual Property
    • State Bar of Texas
    • American Bar Association
    • San Antonio Bar Association
    • Bar Association of the Fifth Circuit
    • Texas Association of Defense Counsel
    • Defense Research Institute
    • American Intellectual Property Law Association
    • San Antonio Intellectual Property Law Association
    • American Inn of Court, William S. Sessions Chapter
    • College of the State Bar of Texas
    • San Antonio Bar Foundation
    • Dykema Management Advisory Committee
    • North Chamber of Commerce, Member of Board of Directors, 2004-2007

    • Assumption Seminary, Member of Board of Directors, 2008-present

    • Legatus, President of San Antonio Chapter, 2010-present

    • Catholic Charities of San Antonio, Member of Board of Directors, 2009-present

Latest News and Insights

Press Releases8.15.24

216 Dykema Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 and Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch”

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that 216 of its attorneys, in multiple practice…

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Publications1.29.24

Intellectual Property Update and Year in Review | January 2024

In this newsletter, Dykema IP attorneys provide insights on key developments of 2023 and look to…

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Publications1.18.24

Legal Trends in Artificial Intelligence: 2024 Report

Introducing the inaugural issue of Legal Trends in Artificial Intelligence, Dykema's guide to…

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