Biography Photo of John R Nelson

John R. Nelson

Member, Litigation West Region Practice Group Chair

For over twenty-five years, Mr. Nelson has represented businesses and individuals in courts across Texas. During that time, his law practice has grown to include all types of business litigation as well as intellectual property actions to protect clients’ trade secrets, trademarks, and copyrights.

Mr. Nelson is also experienced in areas of law such as construction, personal injury, and product liability, and he has resolved complex securities cases and those involving breaches of fiduciary duty. His experience often allows him to evaluate a dispute and find an early resolution that is fast and cost-effective.

Although he prides himself on helping clients negotiate business resolutions outside the courthouse, Mr. Nelson is an experienced first-chair trial lawyer who is comfortable in the courtroom when a pre-litigation settlement is not practical.

Education & Credentials

Education

Baylor University School of Law

J.D., 1996

Louisiana Tech University

B.A., 1993
  • cum laude

Bar Admission

  • Texas1996

Acknowledgements

  • The Legal 500 United States
    • Dispute Resolution - General Commercial Disputes, 2022-2023
  • Best Lawyers in America®
    • Commercial Litigation, 2021, 2023-2024
    • Litigation - Construction, 2024
  • Texas Super Lawyers®
    • Business Litigation, 2012-2023
    • "Rising Stars," Business Litigation, 2008-2011

Prominent Assignments

Defended a wrongful termination/age discrimination case for an Austin corporate defendant and two separate plaintiff-side engagements for breach of contract (sales commission agreement) matters.

Assisted a regional telecommunications company in breach of contract, fraud, and theft of trade secret litigation against a custom software developer.

Worked to resolve approximately thirty different trademark and copyright cases to protect a renowned global software company’s intellectual property.

Handled over a dozen trademark, copyright, and trade dress cases to protect an international luxury goods manufacturer’s intellectual property and the high-quality standards associated with its consumer brands.

Assisted a famous international motion picture studio in trademark and copyright litigation to protect its intellectual property during the critical time surrounding a film’s release into theaters.

Defended a national real estate leasing and brokerage company in litigation filed by a real estate holding company following a contemplated transaction that did not close.

Assisted a large public university in breach of contract case against an international pharmaceutical company that had been granted a license to use and dispense medicine developed through the university’s research.

Resolved a breach of contract litigation against a small private university for its publicity, sponsorship, and fundraising agent.

Assisted a publically owned transportation agency against a large, publically traded construction company hired to build an extensive highway system.

Provided resolution to a closely held multi-family real estate development company in several cases against competitors, business partners, and suppliers involving allegations of fraud, breach of contract, theft of trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, and other business torts.

Worked to stop cyber-squatting and misappropriation of trademarks for a closely held multi-family real estate development company.

Defended a custom home builder in residential construction litigation filed by home buyers.

Defended customers in residential construction litigation against a national home builder.

Defended a large nonprofit hospital system against national financial institution regarding the management of securities purchased for a conservative investment portfolio.

Worked with a closely held real estate development company in trademark and copyright litigation filed by architect with whom the company had done business.

Worked to resolve claims of environmental damage filed by a landowner for the mineral rights owner.

Assisted an oil and gas operator against landowner asserting claims of environmental damage.

Worked with specialty worker staffing company against heirs of workers who were killed overseas by terrorists.

Represented mineral rights owners in a lawsuit alleging deprivation of property rights through fraud allegedly committed at the turn of the 20th Century. Resolved the case in the clients' favor.

Assisted professional athlete in fraud, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty action against business owner to whom athlete had loaned money and with whom athlete had invested in a joint venture.

Worked to resolve a breach of contract case for a commercial tenant filed by the landlord.

Resolved boundary dispute and enforcement of restrictive covenants for client against adjacent landowners.

Worked to resolve theft of trade secrets case for a home health services provider against competitor formed by former employees.

Obtained dismissal of fraud and breach of contract accusations for a professional who sold dental  practice.

Represented medical professional who sold practice to another professional who had breached terms of purchase agreement.

Counseled family business operators accused by family members who claimed to have been wrongly deprived of profits and distributions.

Assisted a national consumer products retailer in wrongful death action filed by family of motorist who died following a vehicular collision.

Defended a national auto parts retailer in Deceptive Trade Practices Act litigation filed by customer.

Worked with a health food manufacturer in a post-accident investigation involving OSHA issues and related employee injury claims.

Assisted a heavy equipment retailer in Dealer Agreement dispute with international equipment manufacturer.

Worked with minority shareholder in ownership dispute against majority shareholders.

Assisted individual investor in fraud and breach of contract litigation against business owner / fundraiser.

Worked with consumer services franchisee in breach of contract action against franchisor.

Worked with national restaurant franchisor in false advertising action against largest national competitor.

Assisted international consumer products company in significant personal injury case filed by the State of Texas.

Worked to resolve multiple breach of contract actions for a specialty worker placement company against its customers.

Handled securities dispute against national financial institution for a large regional bank.

Worked to resolve a breach of contract action filed by season ticket holders against a professional sports franchise.

Assisted both home buyers and material suppliers in breach of contract action against custom home builders.

Resolved trademark and copyright infringement case for a gaming equipment manufacturer in case filed by artist.

Professional Involvement

  • State Bar of Texas, Litigation Section
  • Litigation Counsel of America

Community Involvement

  • YMCA Youth Basketball Coach

Court Admissions

  • Northern District of Texas
  • Eastern District of Texas
  • Southern District of Texas
  • Western District of Texas
  • United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit

Have a question or want to connect?