John M. Kuhl

John is a partner in the Vorys Columbus office and a member of the litigation group.  His practice focuses on commercial litigation and real estate litigation, including land use and eminent domain.  John also represents clients in intellectual property matters, including copyright infringement, Lanham Act actions and trade secret claims. 

John has tried cases in state and federal courts throughout the country and has represented clients in arbitration proceedings before the American Arbitration Association and the International Centre for Dispute Resolution. 

Career highlights include:

• Complete defense award and recovery of fees in an alleged $20 million trade secrets action following ICDR Arbitration hearing
• Complete defense award and recovery of fees in lease dispute against manufacturer by landlord, who alleged millions in building damage following AAA arbitration hearing
• Obtaining substantial jury verdicts and settlements, including multiple seven-figure jury verdicts
• Obtaining summary judgment and award of attorneys’ fees for national retailer in copyright infringement action
• Representing national retailers and restauranteurs in commercial lease disputes throughout the country
• Defeating preliminary injunction brought against apparel manufacturer to preclude the sale of allegedly infringing product  
• Successfully representing clients before the Supreme Court of Ohio including Marchbanks v. Ice House Ventures, AEP v. Bohlen and State, ex rel. Stoll v. Logan
• Representing customers and information technology providers in litigation involving breach of contract and failure to perform claims

John is a member of the American Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association.  He formerly served as a prosecutor for the City of Bexley, Ohio.

Before joining Vorys, John held several project management positions in information technology for a major insurance company.

John received his J.D. magna cum laude from Capital University Law School, where he was a member of the Order of the Curia.  He received his B.B.A. from Ohio University where he studied Management Information Systems.

Honors & Recognitions

Columbus CEO, Top Lawyers in Columbus, 2016; Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2024

Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Eminent Domain, 2013-2017

The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation, 2022-2025; Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2023-2025