Intellectual Property

Arnold & Porter offers an IP group with strong practices in general patent litigation, Hatch-Waxman disputes and patent strategy for clients across technology areas. Major IP clients of the firm include Boston Scientific, Hologic, Sanofi and Bayer. For the group’s activity in high-profile, novel cases, Arnold & Porter was named 2020 General Patent Litigation Firm of the Year by LMG Life Sciences.

IP group co-chair Matthew Wolf is a trial-tested first chair attorney, whose past year included a complete victory for Sanofi and Regeneron in the closely watched antibody dispute against Amgen. Wolf was also active for Hologic in a Federal Circuit appeal against Enzo Life Sciences resulting in a decision that addressed enablement. Wolf was shortlisted for the General Patent Litigator of the Year award in Washington, DC by LMG Life Sciences. New York partner David Barr was also a lead partner on the Sanofi/Regeneron matter, and is one of the firm’s experienced litigators for Hatch-Waxman and competitor suits.

Daniel DiNapoli and Aaron Stiefel are currently acting for Pfizer in Hatch-Waxman litigations defending against generic challenges to the client's Xeljanz products. Silicon Valley partner Deborah Fishman represents Regeneron in ex parte patent challenges related to its Eylea drug. She is well-versed in Patent Office proceedings and other IP disputes.

For patent strategy, David Marsh is recommended for his expertise managing life sciences patent portfolios. He is currently active for Bayer and Bruin Biometrics in prosecution and strategy.

DC-based IP firm Bookoff McAndrews is focused on patent prosecution and strategy most notably for clients in the medical device sector, but continues to grow its presence in the biotechnology area. "The firm provides excellent service across all IP requirements in the life sciences sector," a client says. "If I had to name one firm I consider my biggest competition, I would say it's Bookoff," a peer says.

Founding partners Les Bookoff and Roland McAndrews offer decades of experience as patent practitioners, with backgrounds from a global IP firm. Both partners are active for a major medical device company, managing patent applications and due diligence investigations for the client.

Partner Dinesh Melwani is a "young, hungry attorney who is really smart," a competitor says. Melwani is counsel to a leading biotechnology company, assisting with technologies related to drug preparation and delivery. For his work in the space and reputation among peers, Melwani was shortlisted by LMG Life Sciences for the DC Patent Strategy & Management Attorney of the Year award in 2019.

Boston firm Choate Hall & Stewart is well known for its expertise in patent prosecution and strategy for life sciences clients, earning top ranking in these areas. The firm also has a significant practice focused on pharmaceutical patent litigation.

Life sciences co-chair Brenda Jarrell is a leader at the firm with a national reputation as a patent strategist. She was shortlisted by LMG Life Sciences for the Massachusetts Patent Strategy & Management Attorney of the Year award in 2020. IP co-chair Charles Lyon and Rolando Medina also focus their practices on patent counseling and strategy in the life sciences sector. Lyon currently serves as co-chair of the firm’s IP practice.

In the litigation group, co-chair Eric Marandett continues to be active for a number of clients in patent disputes. He is well regarded nationally for his expertise in high-profile IP litigation. In 2020, he was shortlisted for the General Patent Litigator of the Year award in New England.

Cooley earns top ranking in prosecution and strategy for its deep bench of life sciences practitioners focused on the pharmaceutical, medical device and biotechnology areas. The firm also earned a national ranking for general patent litigation this year due to its significant activity in high-stakes disputes across product areas, including biologics. “Cooley did an excellent job managing the very large matter, which initially included over 30 patents,” a recent patent litigation client says. “They kept the in-house team well-informed and were a great partner.”

Global patent counseling and prosecution chair Ivor Elrifi was shortlisted for the Patent Strategy & Management Attorney of the Year award for New York, in part due to his status as one of the leading attorneys for prosecution and deal-oriented patent work. He currently advises Flexion Therapeutics on strategic patent portfolio management related to multiple products.

Mika Reiner Mayer is another standout in the patent practice, and was last year’s Patent Strategy Attorney of the Year for California. Mayer's practice involves prosecution and portfolio management for clients in the medical device and pharmaceutical industries. She currently assists Demetrix with patent prosecution, counseling and strategy work. Seattle's William Christiansen assists companies in the pharmaceutical, biotech, clean energy and medical device spaces.

For litigation, Michelle Rhyu is one of the firm's notable practitioners for her involvement in biologics disputes. “Michelle is an incredibly talented, very creative attorney who works extremely hard to achieve results for her client,” a recent client says. “She uses her excellent communication skills to effectively manage her team of skilled attorneys while keeping the client in the loop.”  Rhyu is currently acting for Amgen in a high-profile BPCIA litigation against Genentech. She was shortlisted for General Patent Litigator of the Year in California by LMG Life Sciences.

DC-based firm Covington & Burling offers deep expertise in general patent litigation and Hatch-Waxman disputes. The firm is highly ranked for its strength handling Hatch-Waxman cases for branded drug companies.

George Pappas is a leading litigator in the life sciences sector, with deep experience in ANDA litigations. Notable representations include AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck. Christopher Sipes also stands out as one of the firm’s go-to practitioners for high-stakes life sciences disputes, offering experience in patent-related trials and appeals. Partner Jeffrey Elikan’s past representations in the pharmaceutical area include Invidior, UCB and Warner Chilcott against generic challenges.

Longstanding firm Cravath Swaine & Moore is a staple amongst New York practices, and in IP offers a noteworthy group of attorneys handling life sciences patent litigation. The firm's technology area coverage includes matters related to pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and biologics. Representative clients include Abiomed, Amgen and DRIT Capital.

Firm chairman Evan Chesler is a leader across litigation areas, not least in IP, where he has made his mark in high-profile patent trials. Alongside Chesler in the firm's New York base is Keith Hummel, who has extensive experience in patent litigation for life sciences clients. Hummel and partner David Greenwald recently took part in the news-making antibody case Amgen v Sanofi, which resulted in a jury verdict in favor of client Amgen after the February retrial. Hummel is also active for Abiomed in a patent infringement dispute against Maquet Cardiovascular related to blood pump patents. Hummel was shortlisted for the New York Patent Litigator of the Year award by LMG Life Sciences.

Dechert's life sciences team includes a large group of professionals focused on all areas of intellectual property. The firm is nationally ranked for its expertise in Hatch-Waxman disputes for branded companies and patent strategy.

Andrea Reid co-chairs the firm's global life sciences group and is an expert in strategic patent counseling and portfolio management. She recently assisted Arrakis Therapeutics with patent strategy and diligence for its $190 million collaboration with Roche to develop RNA-targeted drugs. Reid was the 2020 winner of the Patent Strategy Attorney of the Year award in Massachusetts.

In litigation, practice group leader Martin Black is deemed a "very fine lawyer" by a peer, and is noted for being a steadfast trial presence in the Hatch-Waxman arena. He recently represented Norgine in a generic challenge to its Plenvu product. Silicon Valley-based Jonathan "DJ" Loeb obtained a complete defense verdict for Quest diagnostics in a case involving patent infringement and trade secret claims. Robert Rhoad bolsters the firm’s life sciences patent litigation bench out of the Princeton office.

Kassie Helm is a new addition to the firm’s roster of stars, who gained previous recognition as the 2019 winner of the Rising Star in IP award by LMG Life Sciences. She was recently active for Eli Lilly in a successful antibody dispute against Genentech.

Fenwick & West is nationally ranked in patent prosecution and strategy for its team of attorneys versed in medtech and biotechnology. The firm also has a noteworthy practice focused on Hatch-Waxman disputes and general patent litigation.

Daniel Becker focuses on patent prosecution and strategic counseling for clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. He was active as IP counsel on several deals, including Dermira in its $1.1 billion acquisition by Eli Lilly, and Passage Bio’s $248 million IPO. For his activity in the patent area, Becker was shortlisted for the Patent Strategy Attorney of the Year award in 2020. Robert Hulse is a key member of the firm's digital health practice, marrying his expertise in software and technology with Fenwick's life sciences clientele.

In New York, Jeffrey Oelke is well-versed in Hatch-Waxman disputes for branded drug makers. He is a significant part of the firm's growing profile in life sciences patent litigation, evidenced by recent work representing Pfizer against generic challengers in district court and before the PTAB.

Life sciences group co-chair Melanie Mayer is a new addition to the LMG Life Sciences stars list. She is currently active in pre-litigation matters for various clients of the firm. Adam Gahtan recently petitioned for Athena Diagnostics requesting certification by the US Supreme Court to hear the noteworthy Athena v Mayo case.

Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner earns top ranking across all practice areas in life sciences IP, including general patent litigation, Hatch-Waxman, patent prosecution and strategy. The IP firm is particularly notable for its reputation as a leader in PTAB and Federal Circuit matters. The firm garnered significant awards attention in 2020 after winning Patent Strategy Firm of the Year and a Patent Impact Case of the Year honor for the group’s involvement in the precedent-setting appeal Kaken v Iancu.

In regards to the firm's prosecution group, a client says: "They are highly skilled at writing and prosecuting applications. They have a great number of attorneys at different levels, and can handle the most complex cases even in short time frames." Thomas Irving is a nationally renowned patent prosecutor and expert on the America Invents Act, supporting the firm’s strong reputation as a go-to practice for IP counseling. Leslie McDonell is managing partner of the Boston office and a highly regarded practitioner in the patent arena. McDonell continues to be active for Vertex Pharmaceuticals in connection with its global patent strategy, along with partner Jill MacAlpine, whose diverse practice spans prosecution, litigation and counseling. MacAlpine was shortlisted for the Patent Strategy Attorney of the Year award in 2020 for her work in the area.

The firm’s patent litigation practice continues to be a staple of the firm, bolstered in part by respected practitioner Charles Lipsey, who draws on more than 40 years of experience in IP. He is currently representing AstraZeneca in a dispute against Zydus involving the client's blockbuster Farxiga product. John Livingstone and Barbara Rudolph impressed as two of the lead partners on the award-winning Kaken matter, which resulted in a precedential decision from the Federal Circuit that overturned an earlier PTAB ruling on obviousness. Rudolph was shortlisted for the General Patent Litigator of the Year award in DC for her contribution to this case and other matters.

Scott Burwell is another standout in the litigation group, showcased through his recent work for Eli Lilly in district court and before the PTAB. William Raich handles patent litigation and prosecution, often in the large molecule area. He is currently active for AbbVie, assisting the client with patent licensing and strategy.

Fish & Richardson is highly ranked across practice areas in life sciences IP, including general patent litigation, Hatch-Waxman, patent prosecution and strategy. The firm received significant awards attention from LMG Life Sciences in 2020, earning the title of IP Boutique Firm of the Year and was winner of a Patent Impact Case honor for its involvement in the noteworthy Idenix v Gilead appeal.

Juanita Brooks earns national acclaim for her practice focused on patent litigation, and is turned to by many of the firm's major clients for high-stakes disputes. Among her many recent representations, Brooks was active for GlaxoSmithKline in a pharmaceutical dispute against Teva appealing an adverse decision that removed a $235 million verdict for the client. Chad Shear and Jonathan Singer acted for Gilead in the award-winning appeal against Idenix, which resulted in a novel ruling related to enablement. Following the noteworthy decision from the Federal Circuit, the panel denied the opponent’s request for en banc review. The PTAB arena continues to be a strong suit of the firm under the leadership of Dorothy Whelan, who co-chairs the post-grant proceedings group. Whelan was recently active for a major pharmaceutical client in connection with IPR challenges.

In the non-contentious arena, Teresa Lavoie is one of the firm's practitioners focused on patent strategy and portfolio development, most notably for clients in the biotechnology space. Janis Fraser is another leading patent attorney with a focus on the life sciences sector. She has deep experience as a counselor to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, and is noted for her work related to biologics. Gwilym Attwell is well-versed in patent prosecution, strategy and post-grant proceedings. He is currently part of a Fish team representing Astellas and Gilead in connection with a Hatch-Waxman dispute.

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher is ranked nationally for its strength in general patent litigation, supported by a group of seasoned trial lawyers with life sciences expertise. The firm is also notable for its Hatch-Waxman practice representing branded drug makers.

Jane Love is one of the firm's leading patent trial lawyers, and was shortlisted in 2020 for the Branded Hatch-Waxman Litigator of the Year award by LMG Life Sciences. She and New York partner Robert Trenchard recently acted for Novartis in a noteworthy district court matter involving the client’s $2 billion drug Gilenya. The team was successful in moving for preliminary injunction, and won a subsequent appeal.

Wayne Barsky is co-chair of the firm's IP practice group, whose current focus involves a patent infringement suit for Amgen against Coherus related to the client’s large molecule drug Amgevita. Life sciences group co-chair Tracey Davies represented Natera against Illumina in a Northern District of California suit involving prenatal testing patents. In other matters, Davies is acting for Sanofi in five Hatch-Waxman suits concerning its insulin products.

The firm recently hired Joshua Lerner from Durie Tangri. He is well-versed in life sciences patent litigation, and has in-house experience as former senior litigation counsel at a major life sciences company.

Boston-based Goodwin Procter offers a full-service life sciences IP practice, supported by top national rankings in general patent litigation, Hatch-Waxman and patent strategy. A pharmaceutical client highlights the firm for its “high technical competence” and “excellent litigation and trial skills.” For significant growth in its patent prosecution group and a strong year in litigation, Goodwin Procter was awarded 2020 Firm of the Year in Intellectual Property by LMG Life Sciences.

IP litigation chair Daryl Wiesen is a standout for disputes related to pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, supported by a client who says: “He's one of the best trial attorneys I've seen in action.” Wiesen was recently active for Fresenius Kabi in a patent dispute opposite Sanofi related to the branded product Jevtana. Elaine Herrmann Blais, who heads the litigation department in the Boston office, is one of the firm's specialists in biopharmaceutical matters. She was recently active in a significant Federal Circuit appeal for Dr Reddy’s involving the branded sublingual product Suboxone. Blais was shortlisted by LMG Life Sciences for the Patent Litigator of the Year award in New England.

Elizabeth Holland was on the shortlist for the Hatch-Waxman Litigator of the Year award in the generic category. She is well-known for her experience in pharmaceutical litigation, often for major clients like Teva and Actavis. Recent representations include Regeneron in Patent Office proceedings, and Actavis in an ongoing pharma dispute against Cosmo Technologies and Valeant.

In the non-contentious space, Theresa Kavanaugh focuses her practice on patent prosecution and portfolio development for early stage companies. She recently assisted a biopharmaceutical company in a licensing agreement with a major life sciences company. Duncan Greenhalgh has a strong reputation as a patent advisor to life sciences companies and a "great depth of biotech knowledge," according to a peer. Michael Shuster supports the firm’s West Coast offering in patent matters, recently assisting Mission Bio and other emerging clients in patent prosecution and strategy.

Greenberg Traurig offers a full-service IP group focused on the life sciences industry, earning national ranking in all areas, including general patent litigation, Hatch-Waxman disputes, patent prosecution and strategy. The firm boasts a sprawling network of offices in key IP jurisdictions like Boston, New York, Washington DC and Chicago, to name a few.

The firm's life sciences practice is led by Boston partner and co-chair David Dykeman, who focuses on patent procurement and strategy for clients in the medical device space, among other areas. Melissa Hunter-Ensor is vice-chair of the patent prosecution group, who provides expert IP counseling to life sciences clients. Some of her notable work includes building patent portfolios for companies in the biotechnology sector.

Fang Xie is co-chair of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical practice, specializing in strategic counseling and portfolio development for the firm's life sciences clientele. Barry Schindler is co-chair of the patent prosecution group and one of the firm’s standout practitioners focused on life sciences.

Scott Bornstein is global co-chair of the firm's IP and patent litigation practice groups, labeled by a client as "enthusiastic and creative." He is active in the firm's Hatch-Waxman group, helming patent disputes for notable generic drug makers including Teva and B Braun. Richard Pettus is another first-chair patent litigator and asset to the firm's pharmaceutical practice. He has been involved in more than 75 patent litigations during his career. Allan Kassenoff brings more than 20 years of experience to his practice focused on patent litigation, with a particular emphasis on Hatch-Waxman disputes.

Irell & Manella is a California-based firm with a top national ranking for general patent litigation. Most notably, the firm is a significant player in patent disputes related to biologics, with an expanding book of clients in the area. A peer praises Irell's litigation team over its competitors, saying they have a "deeper understanding of the law, dig into the facts more and are better strategic thinkers." Another peer says there is "an overabundance of talent at this law firm."

Morgan Chu is one of the most celebrated patent litigators in the country, and remains a leader in the firm's practice. He currently serves as chair of the litigation group. He won the Patent Litigator of the Year award in 2020 for a significant streak of cases, including his Supreme Court debut in Peter v NantKwest, and the blockbuster battle for Juno against Kite. Jason Sheasby represents the firm's incoming generation of litigation talent and has quickly developed a name in the legal market for his work in patent disputes.

Jones Day's IP group is highly ranked for general patent litigation with additional marks for Hatch-Waxman disputes and patent prosecution. The firm is notable for its broad geographic footprint, including major life sciences hubs New York and San Diego.

Global IP co-chair Anthony Insogna focuses his practice on a mix of patent litigation and portfolio management. His past representations include Celgene, AbbVie, and Merck entity Idenix, the last of which involved the largest damages award ever in a patent infringement case. Litigator Calvin Griffith has handled patent suits spanning numerous technology areas, including life sciences cases for Merck, Johnson & Johnson and AbbVie. Greg Castanias was shortlisted for the IP Appellate Litigator of the Year award in 2020 by LMG Life Sciences.

Patent prosecution co-head Adriane Antler is one of the firm's leading strategists for IP portfolios. She has expertise in matters related to biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and bioinformatics. Notable representations include Biogen, Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Acorda therapeutics. She was shortlisted for the New York Patent Strategy Attorney of the Year award by LMG Life Sciences.

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton is highly ranked for its capabilities in patent prosecution, most notably in the medical device space. The firm also offers expertise in general patent litigation.

Tina McKeon has a strong reputation among life sciences IP strategists for her work advising companies in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. She specializes in prosecution, portfolio management and post-grant proceedings, bolstered by a PhD in neuroscience.

Silicon Valley partner Nena Bains contributes to the firm's deep expertise in medical device technology, supported by her in-house background as vice president of IP for Boston Scientific. Her practice focuses on patent portfolio development and transaction-related strategy. Darin Gibby has a multidisciplinary practice, focused on general patent litigation, post-grant proceedings, opinions and prosecution. He is often active for medical device clients.

Kirkland & Ellis is top-tier in general patent litigation with an experienced bench of attorneys acting for major life sciences companies. The firm is well known for representing branded companies in Hatch-Waxman disputes, with some activity on the generic side as well.

James F Hurst is considered a leading trial lawyer for IP matters, and continues to be active for the firm’s major life sciences clients. In 2020, he was named the Midwest Patent Litigator of the Year by LMG Life Sciences for his representations of Abbott in a Federal Circuit appeal, and AbbVie in its closely watched patent antitrust case. Leora Ben-Ami is a highly regarded patent litigator with deep experience representing branded clients in pharmaceutical disputes.

Patricia Carson is an asset to the firm's patent litigation group with a practice almost entirely focused on life sciences companies. Thomas Fleming has extensive trial experience for clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

IP firm Knobbe Martens earns national ranking across all areas in IP, including top-tier status in generic Hatch-Waxman litigation, patent prosecution and strategy. "Knobbe has done everything right for our firm," a client says. "This is a remarkable firm [with] spectacular work and people."

Co-chair of the Hatch-Waxman and life sciences groups William Zimmerman contributes to the firm's leading status as a destination for generic pharmaceutical representation. Trial lawyer Joseph Re has more than three decades of experience in law and has handled matters across technology areas, most notably in the medical device industry. He was recently active for Personal Genome Diagnostics in a closely watched dispute. Medical device litigation co-chair Christy Lea is experienced in jury trials, appeals and post-grant proceedings. Fellow co-chair John Sganga offers deep experience in device patent litigation, showcased by a recent, global matter for Edwards Lifesciences against Boston Scientific.

Gerard von Hoffmann is a go-to patent strategist for clients in the medical device industry. He recently assisted Millipede Inc in its $450 million acquisition by Boston Scientific. Salima Merani has deep expertise in patent strategy, often connected to complex transactions and corporate matters. Biotechnology group chair Michael Fuller specializes in strategic patent counseling and portfolio management. He was recently involved in the above matter for Illumina against Natera.

Latham & Watkins's IP group is highly recommended in general patent litigation, offering a strong bench of life sciences-oriented litigators versed across technology areas, including biologics. The firm has strategically moved towards representing branded drug manufacturers, resulting in recommended status in this year’s branded Hatch-Waxman litigation ranking.

IP litigation co-chair Michael Morin receives acclaim from numerous peers in the space, supported by his continued work in high-profile matters related to biologics. He and partner David Frazier recently acted for client AbbVie and Pharmacyclics in two patent infringement suits against AstraZeneca related to its Imbruvica drug. The matters recently settled. Morin was also engaged in a matter for Abbott in a medical device dispute against Integrated Sensing System. For his notable litigation activity and strong endorsements from the market, Morin won the DC Patent Litigator of the Year award by LMG Life Sciences.

Maximilian Grant is a respected litigator who had a major part in the firm’s IP growth. He recently represented InfoBionic in two cases brought by competitor CardioNet. Kenneth Schuler and Daniel Brown acted for Par Pharmaceutical in a Hatch-Waxman dispute in the District of Delaware involving the client’s branded Adrenalin injectable. The court found Par’s patents valid and infringed by Hospira.

The firm recently hired patent litigator Adam Perlman, who is currently listed is an LMG Life Sciences Star and is deeply experienced in branded Hatch-Waxman disputes.

Chicago-based IP firm Leydig Voit & Mayer receives national rankings for its expertise in life sciences patent prosecution and strategy. In addition to the firm's non-contentious practice, it is also notable for pharmaceutical and biotech litigation.

John Kilyk Jr is well-versed in both patent litigation and strategic counseling for clients almost exclusively in the life sciences industry. He is a previous winner of the Midwest Patent Strategy Attorney of the Year award and was shortlisted in the same category for 2020. Kilyk and a team from the firm serve as patent counsel to longstanding client National Institutes of Health in connection with its biotech and chemistry innovations.

Salim Hasan continues to advise corporations, research institutions and universities in life sciences patent matters. He brings more than 25 years of experience to his practice. Steven Sklar was recently active in multiple Hatch-Waxman disputes for clients seeking to market generic pharmaceutical products.

Chicago-based boutique Marshall Gerstein & Borun is highly recommended in patent prosecution and strategy for life sciences companies, supported by a deep bench of technically trained attorneys providing IP advice. The firm also has significant practices in life sciences patent litigation and IP transactions.

Managing partner Jeffrey Sharp has more than 30 years of experience in patent law with a focus on the biotechnology and chemistry sectors.IP transactions chair Pamela Cox recently advised Salk Institute for Biological Studies on patent portfolio licensing strategy related to gene therapy platform technology. This year Cox was shortlisted for the Midwest Patent Strategy & Management Attorney of the Year by LMG Life Sciences for an active year assisting clients in IP-focused deals. Patent prosecution chair Heather Kissling focuses her practice on advising clients in the biotechnology space. She specializes in patent acquisition and strategy, with additional contentious expertise in interference proceedings.

In litigation, partner Sandip Patel was involved in the closely watched CRISPR dispute Regents of the University of California v Broad Institute, representing Dr Emmanuelle Charpentier and CRISPR Therapeutics in a European Patent Office appeal. Patel was shortlisted for the Midwest Patent Litigator of the Year award by LMG Life Sciences. Kevin Flowers and John Labbé recently took part in a Federal Circuit appeal of the BPCIA case Amgen v Hospira on behalf of Amgen, and Onyx Therapeutics in a successful Hatch-Waxman trial against Cipla. Julianne Hartzell is chair of the firm’s medical device practice, and also took part in the Federal Circuit appeal for Amgen.

Mayer Brown is recommended nationally for general patent litigation and Hatch-Waxman disputes for branded drug makers. In addition to the firm's contentious practice, the firm is also notable for its work in patent strategy, exemplified by its activity as IP counsel on complex life sciences deals.

IP practice group co-chair Lisa Ferri is a standout practitioner at the firm, and was shortlisted for the New York Patent Litigator of the year award by LMG Life Sciences. Her matters from the past year include representing Sanofi against the Washington Research Foundation in a suit related to the client’s drug Elitek, and a case for Gilead against eleven generic challengers seeking to market versions of branded Lexiscan. Ferri was also active as patent counsel on several M&A and licensing matters.

New York-based Brian Nolan is well versed in patent litigation, counseling and due diligence. He was recently active for Alexion as IP counsel in its $1.4 billion acquisition of Portola Pharmaceuticals. In litigation, he is lead counsel for the same client in a patent dispute opposite Chugai. Joseph Mahoney contributes to the firm's strength in Hatch-Waxman and Patent Office disputes. His life sciences expertise is bolstered by a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Patent attorney Vera Nackovic specializes in strategic counseling for clients in the pharmaceutical, biologics and medical device areas, among others.

McDermott Will & Emery is nationally ranked for its practice focused on patent strategy and management. The firm is also notable for its activity in life sciences patent litigation.

Silicon Valley-based partner Judy Mohr acts as advisor to clients in the pharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostics industries. Her specialities include patent prosecution, IP due diligences and portfolio management. Mohr recently assisted an imaging diagnostics client in patent matters.

In the litigation group, Sarah Chapin Columbia is viewed as one of the country's leading trial lawyers for IP disputes. She was named by LMG Life Sciences as the New England General Patent Litigator of the Year in 2019. William Gaede is another standout in the firm's IP department with a national reputation. He and Columbia recently acted in the noteworthy antibody dispute Amgen v Sanofi, which involves the oft-discussed issue of written description. Gaede was shortlisted for the California General Patent Litigator of the Year award.

IP boutique McNeill Baur is a firm entirely focused on life sciences, and is ranked nationally for its expertise in patent prosecution. The practitioners are well-versed in the biotechnology area, and have big law experience from a major IP firm. McNeill Baur continues to grow with the addition of experienced of counsel attorneys holding technical degrees.

Founding partners Rebecca McNeill and Amelia Feulner Baur specialize in a number of legal services, including prosecution, IP strategy, and post-grant proceedings. Both founding partners continue to be active in patent prosecution and strategic counseling for several major life sciences clients.

Mary Henninger brings her previous experience as a litigator to her current practice focused on patent prosecution and strategy. She recently assisted a life sciences client in a licensing agreement.

Rebecca Scarr joins the firm’s roster of LMG Life Sciences stars this year, in part due to her significant experience as patent counselor to clients in the biotech and pharmaceutical areas. Her life sciences expertise is supported by a Phd in biology.

International firm Morgan Lewis & Bockius provides a full-service IP practice in life sciences, earning national rankings in general patent litigation, patent prosecution and strategy. The firm has been one to watch for its significant streak of lateral hires over the past two years, bolstering the firm's capabilities in the contentious and non-contentious patent arenas.

Michael Abernathy currently serves as co-head of the firm's IP litigation and life sciences groups. He was part of a Morgan Lewis team representing Praxair in one of 2020’s Impact Cases of the Year that found method of treatment claims invalid under Section 101 of the Patent Act. Abernathy was shortlisted for the Midwest Patent Litigator of the Year award for his role in the matter. Global IP head Eric Kraeutler has more than four decades of experience in law, and focuses his practice on patent litigation.

In prosecution and strategy, Jeffry Mann is one of the firm's leading practitioners for life sciences patent advice. He specializes in patent preparation and prosecution, IP portfolio monetization, due diligence and licensing. Boston-based Steven Frank focuses his practice on IP transactions, patent prosecution and strategic counseling. Stephen Altieri is versed in patent portfolio development for emerging clients in a number of areas, including biologics, diagnostics and immunotherapies.

Louis Beardell, Christopher Betti and Gargi Talukder all bring significant expertise to the firm’s patent prosecution and strategy practice. Talukder, a partner in the San Francisco office, recently assisted client Xencor with patent applications related to its antibody and protein platforms.

Morrison & Foerster offers a full suite of patent services for life sciences companies, most notably in the area of patent strategy and Hatch-Waxman litigation. The firm is also active in general patent litigation, specifically in the area of biologics.

Catherine Polizzi is a renowned patent strategist with a deep concentration on counseling companies in the life sciences area. In addition to building patent portfolios for sophisticated clients, she is also active in due diligences and other transaction-related matters.

Michael Ward serves as global head of the firm's life sciences industry group, and also leads the patent practice group. He focuses on portfolio management and strategic drafting of patent applications for life sciences companies. San Diego partner James Mullen specializes in patent prosecution, due diligence, and post-grant-proceedings. He is the founder and leader of the firm's antibody patent group.

In the litigation department, Michael Jacobs is a leading first-chair trial lawyer with significant experience in life sciences patent disputes. He currently co-chairs the IP practice group. Deanne Maynard has handled some of the more significant life sciences IP appeals of late. She previously won the IP Appellate Litigator of the Year award from LMG Life Sciences, and was shortlisted in the same category this year.

New to the stars list is Janet Xiao, who focuses her practice on patent prosecution, portfolio management and counseling for clients across life sciences technology areas.

O'Melveny & Myers is a recommended firm in the area of Hatch-Waxman litigation for branded pharmaceutical companies. The firm acts for a number of major entities, including AstraZeneca, Amgen subsidiary Onyx Therapeutics and ViiV Healthcare.

New York-based Lisa Pensabene is the 2020 Branded Hatch-Waxman Litigator of the Year for a significant year of trial work and repeated market praise. She recently led a trial team for Amgen subsidiary Onyx related to its Kyprolis drug. The District of Delaware ultimately found the client’s patents valid following novel challenges to compound and formulation claims covering its product. Pensabene currently serves as the firm’s life sciences IP litigation head.

John Kappos is another noteworthy litigator at the firm, bringing two decades of experience in law. He is currently acting for Agilent Technologies in a trade secrets suit brought against a competitor.

New to the stars list is Hassen Sayeed, who acted alongside Pensabene in the Onyx litigation. His technical credentials are bolstered by a medical degree.

Paul Hastings's IP group is highly recommended for general patent litigation and Hatch-Waxman disputes, supported by a team of attorneys with significant trial experience. A peer calls the firm a "go-to place for Hatch-Waxman work." In addition to the group's expertise in district court matters, the firm is also active in post-grant proceedings. The firm's activity in the biosimilars space was showcased by the high-profile dispute for client Boehringer Ingelheim against AbbVie involving the blockbuster Humira. The matter is currently on appeal.

Global co-chair of the IP group Bruce Wexler is praised by peers for his experience in life sciences patent litigation. He is currently active for clients Adamas and Actelion in separate pharmaceutical disputes. Wexler was shortlisted by LMG Life Sciences in 2019 for the Branded Hatch-Waxman Litigator of the Year award.

Joseph O'Malley was recently involved in the Federal Circuit appeal of an IPR for client Zimmer Biomet related to a hip implant patent. The appellate court affirmed the PTAB ruling in favor of the client. O'Malley is also acting for Helsinn Healthcare with partner and IP vice chair Eric Dittmann in a high-profile dispute against Teva. The matter, which earlier went before the Supreme Court, is now pending in the Federal Circuit. New York litigation chair Preston Ratliff is experienced in litigations related to pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and chemicals. He is currently active for Sucampo in a dispute related to its product Amitiza.

DC-based Naveen Modi is vice chair of the IP group and leader of the firm's Patent Office practice. He continues to be active as one of the top practitioners for post-grant proceedings. A team including Modi, Eric Dittmann and Bruce Wexler were involved in the Boehringer Ingelheim dispute against AbbVie.

Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison is highly ranked for its strength in general patent litigation, notably in biosimilars disputes and post-grant proceedings. "Their trial attorneys have a deep understanding of the technology at issue and are quick on their feet," a peer says. Paul Weiss has one of the pioneering practices in biosimilars litigation, a continuing area of focus for the firm.

The firm's position as a leading practice in the large molecule space is in part due to litigator Nicholas Groombridge, an IP trial lawyer with more than 25 years of experience. He also has deep experience in patent disputes related to pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Groombridge was shortlisted as the New York General Patent Litigator of the Year in 2020 by LMG Life Sciences.

DC-based partner Steven Baughman is a leading practitioner for post-grant proceedings. His past representations include IPRs for Nevro Corporation and Chugai Pharmaceutical. Eric Stone is another standout in the firm's roster of stars for his significant work in patent litigations involving large and small molecule products.

West Coast-based firm Perkins Coie is nationally ranked for its practices focused on generic Hatch-Waxman litigation and patent prosecution. The firm represents a diverse mix of clients in the life sciences sector, including companies in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device areas. For a significant streak represent generic companies in novel pharmaceutical litigations, Perkins Coie was awarded Hatch-Waxman Litigation Firm of the Year for Generics in 2020.

"Our view is the specific attorney makes all of the difference, and Michael Wise at Perkins Coie has consistently created value for our firm through his work," a client says about the firm's life sciences industry group chair. Wise specializes in patent prosecution, portfolio development and litigation in the life sciences sector. He recently assisted patent prosecution client Eloxx Pharmaceuticals in IP diligence related to its $30 million common stock offering. Wise also continues to represent City of Hope in connection with patent filing and prosecution. Seattle-based Paul Parker is chair of the firm's medical device industry group. He receives repeated praise from peers in the space for his work counseling companies on their med tech portfolios.

Shannon Bloodworth co-chairs the firm's IP practice group, and is one of the country's leading litigators for Hatch-Waxman disputes. She and Brandon White acted as lead in the newsworthy pharmaceutical dispute Biogen v Mylan. The firm’s client Mylan received a favorable trial outcome when a West Virginia judge found 13 claims covering Biogen’s blockbuster Tecfidera drug did not meet written description requirements under Section 112. Bloodworth was shortlisted for a Litigator of the Year award category and the firm won the Generic Hatch-Waxman honor in part due to this matter.

Litigation boutique Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan receives a top ranking for its specialization in patent disputes for clients in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device sectors. The firm is also notable for its capability in Hatch-Waxman matters for branded drug makers.

Life sciences global co-chair Peter Armenio is one of the firm's leading ANDA litigators, and has a national reputation as an IP trial lawyer. Notable representations include Forest Laboratories, Mallinckrodt and GlaxoSmithKline. Raymond Nimrod was awarded New York General Patent Litigator of the Year in 2019 by LMG Life Sciences for his notable work in the high-profile CRISPR dispute Regents of the University of California v Broad Institute.

Nick Cerrito leads the national life sciences practice, and is also noted for his ability as a trial-ready lawyer for branded pharmaceutical clients. Eric Stops focuses his practice on pharma patent disputes, with additional expertise in FDA counseling, portfolio management and opinions. Experienced patent litigator Colleen Tracy James adds to the firm's strong bench of trial lawyers active in the Hatch-Waxman space.

"Rakoczy Molino Mazzochi Siwik is the firm we go to for complex and challenging legal issues," a pharmaceutical client says about the patent litigation-focused IP boutique. "They provide comprehensive, well-thought-out and strategic advice on the most complex and challenging legal issues in the pharmaceutical industry." The firm, based in Chicago, receives top-tier ranking as a practice for Hatch-Waxman litigation, and was shortlisted for the Generic Firm of the Year award in 2020. The firm is best known for representing generic pharmaceutical clients, but is also becoming active in the biosimilar litigation arena.

William Rakoczy is recognized as a leading patent litigator in the life sciences industry, underscored by his honor this year as one of a few inductees into the LMG Life Sciences Hall of Fame. The recognition highlights his stellar career as a courtroom advocate for companies in the pharmaceutical area. Mr Rakoczy and LMG Life Sciences newcomer Eric Hunt were recently active for Mylan in a biosimilar litigation, the first matter under the BPCIA for the client.

Paul Molino is managing partner of the firm and another one of the group's experienced litigators. He and Mr Rakoczy are currently active for Apotex, Sandoz and Dr Reddy’s in connection with patent infringement claims brought by Astellas and Gilead. The consolidated matter is currently scheduled for trial in 2021.

Minneapolis-based Robins Kaplan is nationally recommended for its IP group focused on generic Hatch-Waxman litigation. A client says the IP team is "thoughtful and methodical in its work on our behalf in a number of high-stakes litigation matters," and "repeatedly demonstrates that our interests are 'top of mind' for them."

Health and life sciences industry group chair Jake Holdreith is focused on pharmaceutical patent litigation for the firm's generic clientele. He is currently active for Collegium Pharmaceutical as lead counsel in a series of cases involving patents owned by Purdue. The case has been stayed due to Purdue’s recent bankruptcy declaration. In another matter, Holdreith is representing Amneal as trial counsel against Amgen related to the opponent’s branded Sensipar product. Ronald Schutz is a notable litigator at the firm, and currently serves as chair of the executive board.

New to the LMG Life Sciences Stars list are Jeffrey Hovden and Oren Langer, both experienced practitioners in the patent litigation arena. They are currently representing Torrent Pharmaceuticals in a Hatch-Waxman dispute against Bial-Portela and Sunovion.

Based in DC, Rothwell Figg Ernst & Manbeck is an IP firm recommended nationally for its practice dedicated to Hatch-Waxman litigation. The firm is known for its representation of generic pharmaceutical clients, and in addition to this area is active in post-grant proceedings and patent prosecution. The firm has recently been involved in biologics matters.

Founding partner E Anthony Figg is one of the preeminent Hatch-Waxman specialists in the market, supported by a long career of representations in pharmaceutical patent disputes. He is currently active for Biogen in patent prosecution and portfolio management, and in the litigation arena is representing the client in post-grant proceedings related to its Avonex product. Figg is one of a few practitioners honored in the LMG Life Sciences Hall of Fame.

Joseph Hynds took part in a notable post-grant matter for client Coherus BioSciences, which resulted in denied institution of a PGR that sought to challenge its patent covering large molecule drug adalimumab. Steven Lieberman was active in multiple post-grant proceedings for Dentsply Sirona against Edge Endo. The PTAB denied institution of the four petitions brought by the opponent Edge Endo.

R Danny Huntington specializes in patent prosecution, licensing and litigation, with particular expertise in patent interferences. He currently assists Broad Institute licensee Editas Medicine with patent prosecution related to its CRISPR portfolio.

Sidley Austin's IP group has top-tier status in general patent litigation and Hatch-Waxman disputes for branded drug makers. In addition to the firm's expertise in small molecule pharmaceutical matters, the litigation team is also active in the biosimilars space. The firm received significant awards attention in 2020, winning multiple practitioner categories and a Patent Impact Case of the Year award for its involvement in the high-profile appeal Immunex v Sandoz.

One of the firm’s IP litigation heads is Jim Badke, whose practice focuses on life sciences-oriented patent disputes. He is currently active for Bayer Healthcare in a biologics litigation against Baxalta and Nektar involving the client’s Jivi product. In another matter, he is active for Amgen in a Hatch-Waxman litigation opposite multiple generic challengers to the company’s Sensipar drug. Ching-Lee Fukuda is the 2020 Post-Grant Proceedings Attorney of the Year for her significant activity in PTAB matters, including the recent appeal of an IPR for client Nevro invalidating a key Boston Scientific patent. She was also active in a Patent Impact Case of the Year CardioNet v InfoBionic, which reversed a ruling citing Section 101. Vernon Winters bolsters the firm’s strong West Coast offering for IP, often acting in high-stakes disputes for life sciences client across product areas.

In the appellate area, Supreme Court group founder Constantine Trela earned the title of 2020 Appellate Practitioner of the Year in IP for his involvement in the award-winning Immunex v Sandoz appeal, which dealt with obviousness-type double patenting.

DC-based firm Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox earns top rankings across multiple practice areas in IP, including Hatch-Waxman litigation, patent prosecution and strategy. The firm is also well-known as a destination shop for post-grant proceedings, an area of high activity for the group over the past year. Sterne Kessler earned significant awards attention from LMG Life Sciences in 2020, with recognition as Inter-Partes Review Firm of the Year and as lead firm in the Hatch-Waxman Impact Case of the Year Amneal v Almirall.

Eldora Ellison is renowned for her expertise in patent strategy and post-grant proceedings. “One of my all-time favorite people is Eldora Ellison,” a peer says naming recommended attorneys in the area, while another labels her “a very talented, excellent attorney.” Ellison is currently involved in the newsworthy CRISPR battle between the University of California and Broad Institute, which continues with the recent initiation of a patent interference by the Patent Office. She is also active for Bristol-Myers Squibb in patent portfolio management related to small and large molecule products.

Biotech partner and patent prosecution chair Eric Steffe specializes in prosecution, portfolio development and post-grant proceedings. Steffe is also on the team representing University of California in CRISPR-related matters. Deborah Sterling and Gaby Longsworth are currently active for Teva in the appeal of PTAB rulings connected to its patent antibody product Ajovy. LMG Life Sciences newcomer Carla Ji-Eun Kim is a well-versed practitioner focused on patent prosecution and strategy, who advises on Bristol-Myers Squibb’s portfolios alongside Ellison.

In litigation, John Christopher "JC" Rozendaal is co-chair of the firm's trial and appellate practice group. This year he was active for Teva in a significant patent trial for Teva that ultimately cleared patents covering Narcan for generic market entry. Dennies Varguhese is a standout in the firm’s Hatch-Waxman practice who recently drew attention as a lead in the noteworthy Patent Impact Case Amneal v Almirall, which was a precedent-setting appeal involving attorneys’ fees. Gaby Longsworth was also active in the matter.

Venable receives top-tier status in branded Hatch-Waxman litigation and patent prosecution, with additional rankings in general patent litigation and strategy. A peer calls the firm "a force to be reckoned with in Hatch-Waxman."

IP group co-chair Dominick Conde is a leader in the firm's Hatch-Waxman litigation practice with more than 25 years of experience in law. He recently acted for Nalpropion in a Federal Circuit appeal against Actavis, resulting in a favorable ruling for the client. Scott Reed is co-chair of the firm's IP litigation practice group, specializing in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device disputes. Ha Kung Wong specializes in patent and trade secret litigation, often for clients in the pharmaceutical area.

William Solander is a first-chair trial lawyer who recently represented Sanofi in a novel IPR appeal that vacated a decision made by the PTAB. John Murnane's career in patent litigation spans more than 30 years, during which time he has accumulated expertise in district court, ITC, Federal Circuit and post-grant matters. Christina Schwarz and Nicholas Kallas acted for Novartis in a second ANDA litigation against Lupin involving allegedly infringed patents covering Entresto.

For non-contentious work, Alicia Russo is one of the firm's expert patent strategists, advising clients in the biologics and pharmaceutical sectors.

Weil Gotshal & Manges is nationally ranked for its expertise in general patent litigation. The firm's IP litigation team is active in several technology areas, including pharmaceuticals, biologics, diagnostics and the burgeoning genetic testing space.

Renowned IP lawyer Edward Reines is co-head of the firm's patent litigation practice and life sciences industry group. He has significant first-chair experience in patent disputes, and is particularly known for his effectiveness in appeals. Reines recently acted for Bio-Rad Laboratories and the University of Chicago in a litigation brought against 10X Genomics, resulting in a an upheld $24 million patent jury verdict in favor of the clients. Reines was shortlisted in 2020 for the General Patent Litigator of the Year award in California.

Patent litigation and life sciences group co-head Elizabeth Weiswasser is an acclaimed attorney for high-stakes IP trials. In one matter, she is representing Sanofi in IPR proceedings and district litigation related to its branded Lantus insulin products. Weiswasser is also active for Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Ethicon in a patent infringement suit before the ITC. For her work in the area, Weiswasser was shortlisted for the General Patent Litigator of Year award in New York.

DC litigation boutique Williams & Connolly is highly ranked across litigation areas, including general patent litigation and Hatch-Waxman disputes. The firm frequently represents branded pharmaceutical makers and is one of the leading practices for biologics disputes. Williams & Connolly was shortlisted for the Branded Hatch-Waxman Firm of the Year award in 2020 for its activity in the area.

Patent litigation practice founder Bruce Genderson is one of the firm's acclaimed trial lawyers focused on Hatch-Waxman disputes. He is currently active for Bayer in a Hatch-Waxman litigation involving its cancer drug Stivarga, and for Merck in a separate matter involving challenges to its Januvia, Janumet and Janumet XR products. Genderson is a previous awardee of the Hatch-Waxman Litigator of the Year award, earning the title in 2019 for his work in the area.

In the large molecule space, partner David Berl is a go-to litigator for biologics cases. He and partner Paul Gaffney are currently active for Genentech against Amgen in a BPCIA litigation related to the client’s Avastin drug. The matter is one of the more closely watched large molecule disputes currently pending, and is scheduled for trial in late 2020. Thomas Selby was active alongside Berl in a Hatch-Waxman dispute for Pfizer entity Anacor Pharmaceuticals against ten generic challengers seeking to market versions of its Kerydin product. Jessamyn Berniker is representing AstraZeneca and Nektar Therapeutics in IPRs related to a generic challenge to the clients’ Movantik patent.

WilmerHale's life sciences IP group is highly recommended for general patent litigation and Hatch-Waxman disputes for branded drug makers. The firm is also notable for its expertise in patent prosecution and post-grant proceedings. "I have worked with and against this firm and find their work to be top-notch," a peer says about the litigation practice.

William Lee is one of the most celebrated patent litigators in the country, offering more than four decades of experience in law. Although his practice spans industries outside of life sciences, he is often involved in key patent disputes facing the firm’s life sciences clients. IP litigation group co-chair Lisa Pirozzolo is an experienced first-chair trial lawyer who is representing several notable life sciences clients, including CSL Behring in a dispute against Biogen related to hemophilia treatment.

New York partner Robert Gunther is a key member of the firm’s life sciences patent litigation bench, and was honored in 2020 as the General Patent Litigator of the Year in New York for his significant activity in the area. Among his notable representations was a consolidated case for Roche and Becton Dickinson against Enzo Life Sciences, which resulted in a noteworthy Federal Circuit ruling involving enablement issues. The matter was named one of 2020’s Patent Impact Cases of the Year and Gunther in part won the Litigator of the Year award due to his involvement.

DC-based partner Amy Wigmore is currently active for Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer in a Hatch-Waxman litigation opposite several generic manufacturers that at one point totaled 25 challengers. PTAB expert Emily Whelan was active alongside Wigmore in the matter, and is separately involved in a Hatch-Waxman dispute for Akebia and Keryx involving 14 patents related to its Auryxia drug.

Patent attorney Colleen Superko specializes in portfolio development, strategic counseling and licensing, among other areas. She currently assists H Lundbeck with several patent portfolios and related PTAB challenges.

Bay Area staple Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is highly recommended in generic Hatch-Waxman litigation and patent strategy. The firm is also notable for its expertise in patent filing and prosecution.

Vern Norviel is a preeminent patent strategist for clients in the life sciences industry and leader of the firm's patents and innovations counseling practice group. He specializes in patent prosecution, strategy and portfolio development. Norviel recently assisted client 10x Genomics in patent matters related to its $50 million Series D financing.

San Francisco partner Michael Hostetler was named the 2020 Patent Strategy Attorney of the Year in California for his notable year of practice assisting clients with portfolio management and deal-oriented advice. Among his many recent representations, Hostetler was active for Crinetics Pharmaceuticals in patent matters related to a recent public offering, and Horizon Therapeutics as IP counsel in its acquisition of Curzion Pharmaceuticals.

San Diego partner Jeffrey Guise specializes in patent protection, litigation strategy and transactions. He recently advised Takeda on IP matters connected to its acquisition of PvP Biologics totaling $330 million. James Heslin is an expert in the medical device field, drawing on more than 20 years of experience as a patent counselor.

In litigation, Douglas Carsten is a go-to professional for pharmaceutical disputes involving the firm's generic clientele. He recently represented Mylan as trial counsel in a notable dispute against Sanofi involving its branded Lantus insulin pen products. Following a week-long trial in the District of New Jersey, the Wilson Sonsini team secured a ruling from the Judge that found the device patent at suit was invalid due to lack of written description.

Winston & Strawn's IP group is highly recommended in general patent and Hatch-Waxman litigation. The firm is most notable for being one of the most active generic practices in the Hatch-Waxman domain, and for its recent involvement acting for biosimilars clients in BPCIA disputes.

Litigation group co-chair George Lombardi is considered one of the foremost trial lawyers in the ANDA litigation area, a reputation bolstered by a significant year of patent work in the life sciences area. IP co-chair Charles Klein is another standout litigator in the firm's life sciences group, offering significant experience in Hatch-Waxman and biosimilars suits. Maureen Rurka is a respected litigator focused on disputes related to pharmaceuticals and biosimilars.

First-chair trial lawyer Michael Nutter focuses his practice full-time on life sciences matters. He acts as litigation counsel for the firm's many high-level generic clients, and is also involved in the growing area of BPCIA suits. Nimalka Wickramasekera was shortlisted by LMG Life Sciences for the Intellectual Property Rising Star award in 2019, and is one of the firm’s experienced attorneys in the area of Hatch-Waxman litigation.

Boston-based IP boutique Wolf Greenfield & Sacks earns top ranking for its expertise in patent prosecution and strategy for life sciences clients. “Their level of service and expertise is not easily matched,” says a client, while another adds: “They are very responsive and have worked hard to give us excellent service – and we are not an easy client.” The firm is notable for its significant number of attorneys with advanced scientific degrees, showcased by its biotech group, which is made up of more than 80% PhD or MD holders. Wolf Greenfield also offers a substantial practice focused on post-grant proceedings.

Timothy Oyer is firm president and managing partner, focusing his personal practice on patent prosecution, counseling and matters related to transactions. Biotechnology group chair Helen Lockhart specializes in patent prosecution and portfolio development for a variety of clients, including universities and research institutions, startups and midsize companies. She is currently advising a biotech startup in patent portfolio strategy. Edward Gates, deemed a "brilliant attorney" by a peer, has extensive experience counseling clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology areas on licensing and patent matters. Gates acted for Epizyme in two IPRs seeking to challenge patents owned by GlaxoSmithKline. The IPRs were recently instituted by the PTAB.

Maryanne Trevisan provides clients with deep prosecution expertise in a number of advanced scientific areas, including cell biology and cancer therapies. Biotech partner Patrick RH Waller currently advises Oxford Nanopore in patent portfolio strategy and Prevail Therapeutics with respect to patent prosecution and IP diligence. Hunter Baker is chair of the pharmaceuticals practice group and a specialist in patent prosecution, strategic counseling and technology transactions. He was recently active for academic clients in life sciences technology licensing.