Corporations, universities and other organizations in the life sciences industry face a host of legal issues in all phases of the research, development, manufacture and protection of their products. Though it is necessary, dealing with collaboration negotiations, government regulations, threats from competitors and patent-related litigation only distract from research. It is important, therefore, that attorneys working with life sciences clients understand these pressures.
Our attorneys speak your language. In fact, several of our lawyers have experience as in-house counsel with biotechnology companies, including the former chief IP counsel for Monsanto. A number of our attorneys hold degrees in biology or biotechnology. Three hold Ph.D.’s, one each in Biological Sciences, Molecular Cell Biology and Biochemistry. Two of our IP lawyers have master’s degrees in relevant biotech areas of study—Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, and Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. Our firm was also a featured exhibitor at the 2009 International Plant Molecular Biology Congress.
Our attorneys apply their knowledge of the underlying science when handling the intellectual property issues that are so crucial to success in this industry. We have strong litigation experience with regard to patent infringement, validity and enforceability; trademark and trade dress infringement and unfair competition; technology transfer; copyright infringement; license disputes; cybersquatting, false advertising and right of publicity.
We also represent clients’ interests in their interaction with government entities. For example, we help clients with the Food and Drug Administration approvals process; advise on Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Agriculture regulations; and represent clients in patent interferences and in trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and in International Trade Commission actions.
Our clients’ work involves genetic and immunochemical diagnostic genomics, medical devices and methods, chemical and pharmaceutical compounds, diagnostic assays and kits, bioinformatics, recombinant DNA technology and much more.