James D. Stevens Jr.

Biography

James handles a wide variety of intellectual property matters, with a focus on patent application preparation and prosecution. His work spans inventions involving computer science, software engineering, artificial intelligence, electrical engineering, and other emerging technologies. With a background in computer science and more than 20 years of experience developing software, James brings a practical technical perspective to his intellectual property practice.

A significant portion of James’s practice focuses on developments in machine learning, generative artificial intelligence (AI), and other advanced computing techniques, including real-time large data processing, large language models (LLMs), transformers, attention mechanisms, neural networks, deep learning, reinforcement learning, autonomous AI agents, computer vision, image segmentation, synthetic data generation, domain adaptation and transfer learning, and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. His work also encompasses AI model training and optimization, AI safety and security, multimodal machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), speech recognition, audio processing, and related technologies.

Beyond artificial intelligence and computer science, James has handled patent matters involving autonomous and connected vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), robotics, motion planning, sensor fusion, LiDAR, radar, sonar, optical phased arrays, photonics, and optical communications. His experience also extends to cybersecurity, data privacy, biometric authentication, wireless communications, telecommunications networks, battery technologies, energy storage systems, power systems, electrical and electromechanical devices, and mechanical inventions. These technologies frequently intersect with software, control systems, and data processing, allowing James to apply his computer science background across a diverse range of technical fields.

James earned his Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, where he served as an editor of the school’s law review.

James earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a concentration in computer science from the University of Michigan. After earning his bachelor’s degree, James worked as a software engineer for S&P Global (formerly, IHS and R.L. Polk & Co.), where he developed client-side and server-side software for web and mobile applications used by automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

James has maintained an active interest in software development throughout his life and continues to explore emerging technologies through hands-on programming and experimentation. His projects have included a variety of software applications, from patent-related tools supporting his legal practice to applications incorporating artificial intelligence models. He has also developed technologies directed to improving AI models and their practical use, including inventions that are the subject of his own pending patent applications. This continued involvement in developing technology reflects a longstanding interest in understanding not only how new technologies work, but also how they can be applied and improved.

Distinctions

• Dean’s Scholarship recipient for academic excellence
• Book award recipient for achieving the highest grade in Contracts I, Civil Procedure II, Criminal Law, Applied Legal Theory and Analysis, Copyright Law, Evidence, Sales, International Copyright Relations Seminar, and Constitutional Law
• Selected for publication in University of Detroit-Mercy’s Law Review, Volume 94

Education

• University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law, Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, 2017
• University of Michigan, Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Computer Science, 2013

Memberships and Associations

• American Intellectual Property Law Association
• Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association
• Michigan Intellectual Property Inn of Court
• State Bar of Michigan, Intellectual Property Section

Professional Experience

• Software engineer at I.H.S. (formerly R.L. Polk & Co.)
• Research assistant at The Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute at the University of Michigan