For nearly 30 years, James A. Trigg has guided product creators, company owners and independent brands in Copyright and Trademark Law.
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2010, Trigg is honored as “Lawyer of the Year” for Copyright Law in Atlanta for 2025.
From representing clients in contentious copyright disputes to offering counsel and protection strategies to highly valued brands or creators, Trigg always aims to provide practical, cost-effective and timely legal solutions to increasingly complex problems.
Throughout his legal career, Trigg’s practice has spanned various industries, including textiles, fashion, media, and publishing. He also supports several clients in hospitality, technology, and health care.
Starting at Atlanta-based firm Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton in 1995, Trigg is a partner licensed to practice law in Georgia and New York, often noted as a top national practitioner in the copyright and trademark law practice areas.
Copyright Law Evolves With AI
With the advent of generative AI, large language models, and adjacent tools, copyright lawyers are in a constant struggle with the controversial technology.
“I have worked with multiple clients to find practical approaches to contending with this technology, striving to balance risks and opportunities,” said Trigg.
“I have been pleased to serve as a frequent speaker on the topic, both at domestic and international programs, developing a framework for explaining and elucidating the issues straightforwardly and building a level of expertise in GenAI.”
Since these tools will continue to mutate and evolve, Trigg believes every copyright lawyer should maintain a working understanding of technology to best represent and advocate for their clients.
“It is simply impossible to negotiate a deal effectively or to resolve a dispute most efficiently if an attorney does not at least consider how that deal or that resolution might play out as technologies continue to mutate and evolve.”
The Song Stays the Same
AI and other tech-based tools aside, for Trigg, the core of copyright law remains the same. Keeping up with technological advancements is just as essential as staying abreast of case law developments, Trigg said.
“By definition, copyright law involves working with creators and clients who want to utilize creations in their businesses. As people find new and innovative ways to develop and use content, this gives rise to an almost limitless array of interesting issues, especially as new technologies evolve,” said Trigg.
“I find that I am often advising clients who sit at the intersection of artistic and technological creativity—as a result, the questions are always new, engaging, and challenging. For me, being able to find resolutions is immensely gratifying.”
As a proven leader in this practice area, Trigg says being a successful copyright attorney draws upon many of the same traits as being a great attorney in any other legal discipline.
“You have to be responsive and empathetic to your clients. To be successful means to have the ability to look at an issue from all sides, so that you understand an adversary’s objectives, as well as your client’s,” concluded Trigg.
