Intellectual Property

In the IP space, Arnold & Porter is notable for its work in general patent litigation, Hatch-Waxman disputes and patent strategy. The firm services a number of high-profile life sciences clients on their patent matters, some including Pfizer, Sanofi and Boston Scientific.

Leading litigators David Barr and Matthew Wolf were involved in the closely watched case Amgen v Sanofi, which most recently saw a permanent injunction against clients Sanofi and Regeneron vacated and a jury verdict reversed by the Federal Circuit. A retrial of the case is expected in February 2019. Daniel DiNapoli and Aaron Stiefel are both involved in multiple ongoing Hatch-Waxman suits for Pfizer related to its branded pharmaceutical products, one including blockbuster drug Viagra. Deborah Fishman recently secured an affirmance from the Federal Circuit for client Elan Pharmaceuticals in a dispute related to Alzheimer's disease therapies.

David Marsh is one of the firm's standout patent strategists, who is involved in prosecution, Patent Office disputes and counseling on issues related to the Hatch-Waxman statute. He currently advises Monsanto on its IP portfolio related to plant genetics and Bruin Biometrics on patents related to its medical device technologies.

Bookoff McAndrews is an IP firm focused on patent prosecution and counseling, most notably for companies in the medical device sector. Since its founding six years ago, the firm has grown in number of attorneys and life sciences clients, one of whom says: "The firm provides excellent service across all IP requirements in the life sciences sector." While the firm is noteworthy for its work in the device area, it has shown significant activity in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical fields as well.

Founding partners Les Bookoff and Roland McAndrews offer a combined 50 years of experience in the patent field, and have backgrounds at a global IP firm. A client says about Bookoff: "Les is fantastic. He is brilliant, hardworking, genial, and ever available. He organizes a dozen attorneys who work on our IP matters, and always has a detailed understanding of the work he is supervising." Both partners currently handle prosecution and strategy for a number of companies, including a major medical device maker. Dinesh Melwani is another standout patent practitioner at the firm. In addition to his capabilities as a strategist to life sciences clients, he also has a focus on contentious proceedings as head of the firm's PTAB practice. He currently advises a leading biotechnology company on IP matters related to its therapeutic technologies.

Boston-based Choate Hall & Stewart is considered a go-to firm for non-contentious patent matters in the life sciences arena, including strategic portfolio management and prosecution. The firm's IP group offers a deep bench of attorneys who are notably well-versed in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical areas. "They are not only knowledgeable, but are responsive and problem solvers," a pharmaceutical client says.

Brenda Jarrell, a leader in the firm's life sciences and IP practice group, has an "excellent reputation for being very creative, a critical thinker," a peer says. Jarrell focuses her practice on IP protection, patent strategy, litigation counseling and post-grant proceedings. In 2017 she was recognized as the New England Patent Strategy & Management Attorney of the Year at the LMG Life Sciences Awards and is shortlisted in the same category in 2018. Charles Lyon heads the IP group alongside Jarrell, with an individual practice that blends patent counseling with business strategy. Recently elevated partner Rolando Medina provides expertise in technology transfers and patent prosecution, bolstered by advanced degrees in neuroscience.

While the firm is often recognized for its strength in non-contentious patent work, Choate's IP litigation practice is noteworthy, led by group co-chair Eric Marandett. He has experience handling Hatch-Waxman litigations for small molecule clients, as well as trade secrets disputes.

Cooley offers a substantial IP group, with a bench of over 90 life sciences-focused legal professionals specializing in patent counseling and litigation. The firm is highly regarded for its patent prosecution and strategy team, with deep industry expertise in areas including pharmaceuticals, medical device and biotechnology, among others.

Market peers hold group co-chair Ivor Elrifi in high esteem for his effectiveness as a patent counselor. He has developed a strong reputation as a go-to advisor for biotechnology and pharmaceutical-related IP issues. This year Elrifi provided key patent strategy advice for emerging diagnostics and platform technology clients that resulted in successful transactions. At the 2018 LMG Life Sciences Awards, Elrifi was recognized as the New York Patent Strategy & Management Attorney of the Year. Mika Mayer's practice is focused on developing IP portfolios, due diligence and post-grant proceedings for a variety of life sciences clients. She currently handles IP strategy for Intuity Medical in relation to its blood glucose monitoring technology. Michelle Rhyu offers 20 years of experience handling patent litigation, including bet-the-company cases. She is currently active in a BPCIA dispute for biosimilar client Celltrion in relation to the $7 billion drug Rituxin.

New to the LMG Life Sciences stars list this year is Heidi Erlacher, lead partner of the firm's Boston office, and an experienced patent counselor to various biotech and pharmaceutical clients.

General practice firm Covington & Burling has one of the most comprehensive life sciences practices, in IP offering expertise in prosecution patent litigation. The firm is highly ranked for its strength handling Hatch-Waxman disputes for branded drug companies. A competitor in the patent litigation space says: "Anytime I have anything with Covington I'm impressed with them."

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 is deemed a "good courtroom lawyer," and a "real intellect in the field" by a peer. In addition to his work as a patent litigator, he also offers knowledge of FDA issues. Jeffrey Elikan is another standout practitioner serving pharmaceutical clients in patent disputes against generic challengers.

Andrea Reister has a broad-based practice in IP, combining expertise in post-grant proceedings, district court litigations, and patent strategy. She serves as head of the firm's Patent Office trials practice group.

Dechert offers more than 100 life sciences attorneys spread throughout the firm's broad, global network. In the patent space, the firm is most notable for its practice in Hatch-Waxman litigations, particularly for branded drug makers.

"Marty Black and his team have been very effective," a peer says of the firm's IP litigation head. "He's a very good trial lawyer." Black recently achieved affirmance of a district court decision from the Federal Circuit that validated client Endo's patents covering pain reliever Opana ER. Robert Rhoad is another standout partner with significant experience handling Hatch-Waxman disputes. He has acted for notable life sciences companies, including Endo, Pfizer, Boston Scientific, and others. Silicon Valley partner Jonathan Loeb holds a PhD in biology, and is focused on patent counseling and litigation for his clients.

New to the stars list is Andrea Reid in Boston, who serves as co-chair of the firm's life sciences practice group. Her practice is focused on patent counseling and deal-oriented strategy for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Reid recently acted as lead for Bicycle Therapeutics in a collaboration with Bioverativ.

A staple in the Northern California market, Fenwick & West offers top-tier services in patent strategy for life sciences companies.

Life sciences group co-chair Michael Shuster is an advisor to sophisticated biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients, offering a combination of scientifically driven patent counseling and business strategy. Daniel Becker's practice is focused on patent prosecution and counseling for venture-backed, emerging companies in the therapeutics space. Robert Hulse is described by a client as having the ability to articulate patent claims "in a way non-legal professionals can easily understand." Hulse is uniquely positioned in both the computer and medical device worlds, making him a key member of the firm's pioneering digital health group.

Fenwick's addition of six IP partners from White & Case in June 2018 boosts both the firm's patent litigation capabilities and its push into the East Coast market. Jeffrey Oelke, one of the most notable laterals from the group, brings deep expertise handling patent disputes for pharmaceutical companies. One peer calls Oelke's hiring an "exciting move," adding that Fenwick's litigation team is "one to keep an eye on."

Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner is a full-service IP boutique boasting numerous attorneys versed in patent strategy, prosecution, litigation and office proceedings. The firm is heralded for its leading PTAB practice and formidable Federal Circuit group. Finnegan is also one of the top-tier firms involved in biosimilars disputes.

About the firm's IP litigation capabilities, a peer says: "If I was a company in the life sciences and looking to enforce my patent, they'd be the first I'd go to." A litigation client says Finnegan litigators were "several steps ahead of the opponent" and "demonstrate willingness to put the business needs of the client first." Charles Lipsey and Sanya Sukduang are two leading individuals helming ANDA litigations for the firm's branded clients. Recently, Lipsey acted for AstraZeneca in a successful litigation related to its diabetes drug Onglyza, and Sukduang secured a favorable ruling for Forest Laboratories. The firm is also notably acting as lead counsel for Biogen in the largest set of ANDA cases filed for a single product, which involves 26 generic challengers to the client's blockbuster drug Tecfidera. A peer describes nationally renowned patent strategist Thomas Irving as the "king in pharma," and is deemed one of the leading experts in AIA-related matters. In a recent case, he successfully defended client Incyte in a post-grant review proceeding which sought to challenge a patent related to the company's drug Jakafi. Another post-grant specialist is Michele Bosch, who "ensures professional and effective client service," according to a client.

The firm's life sciences group is also notable for the strength of its bench at the junior level, supported by one peer who notes Finnegan's "rigorous hiring criteria both out of law school and laterally," while another calls it a "top-notch firm that takes training and quality seriously."

IP firm Fish & Richardson offers significant breadth of experience to clients in all areas of the life sciences patent space. The firm receives top rankings in general patent litigation, Hatch-Waxman disputes, patent strategy and prosecution. In the litigation space the firm had a blockbuster year, notably for its involvement in the reversal of a $2.5 billion damages award against client Gilead, the largest patent infringement verdict to date.

The litigation team for Gilead included top trial lawyers Juanita Brooks, Frank Scherkenbach and Jonathan Singer, all of whom were shortlisted for General Patent Litigator of the Year in their respective regions by LMG Life Sciences. Singer won the award in the California category. "Fish has some of the leaders in the field, and has amassed a significant practice," a peer says about the patent litigation group. Another peer says Scherkenbach is "certainly one of the top trial lawyers" in the life sciences patent space. Dorothy Whelan heads the firm's post-grant practice and is one of the top practitioners in Patent Office disputes. She was recognized as Post-Grant Proceedings Attorney of the Year by LMG Life Sciences for her significant work handling IPRs.

In prosecution, a client says Fish & Richardson has "always lived up to their excellent reputation." Janis Fraser is one of the firm's leading patent attorneys with a focus on the life sciences sector. She has deep experience as counselor to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, and is noted for her work related to biologics. "Janis is a trusted advisor in patent prosecution strategy and opinion drafting," a client says. "She has a depth of knowledge that is unmatched in the field of biologics patent law." Teresa Lavoie "provides for hands on, thoughtful and thorough review of the work requested," a client says. She is currently active for several of the firm's clients providing patent strategy and life cycle management related to a number technologies. A client says Delaware patent attorney Gwilym Attwell consistently provides advice that is "thoroughly evaluated," and is "always willing to dive deeper into a topic as needed." His practice is focused on strategic prosecution and opinions in the biotech, pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. Todd Garcia is "responsive and strategic and exhibits a personal interest in achieving successful outcomes for his clients," a client says.

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher excels in general patent litigation for a host of clients in the pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device sectors. "I have a lot of respect for them as a firm – their pharma litigation group specifically," a competitor says. The litigation group wowed this year with a newsworthy $5.4 billion defense of client EMD Serono, a matter led by IP co-chair and star Wayne Barsky. The suit resolved in February 2018 after a five-week trial, which ended with the jury unanimously rejecting the patent infringement claims made by Biogen and invalidating its asserted patent. This case was recognized by LMG Life Sciences as one of the Patent Impact Cases of the Year. Jane Love is another leading patent litigator specializing in life sciences-related disputes. She recently acted for Merck in a patent dispute against Mayne Pharma which resulted in all of the opponent's asserted patent claims being invalidated by the PTAB.

Life sciences group co-chair Tracey Davies is a new addition to the firm's roster of LMG Life Sciences stars this year for her notable work in patent disputes. She currently represents Merck in numerous patent suits involving generic challengers.

Goodwin Procter is a full-service, general practice firm with a national reputation in nearly all areas of the patent spectrum, most notably for its booming ANDA litigation practice representing generic drug makers. Recently, the firm has also been engaged in litigation under the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act, noted by one peer who says Goodwin is a "thought leader in the biosimilar space."

The firm is a "powerhouse" in ANDA litigation, one competitor says, a reputation owed in part to leading patent litigator Elizabeth Holland, who boasts nearly three decades of experience in the patent space. She continues to be active for generic clients, evidenced by a peer who says: "It seems like half of my cases these days are up against Elizabeth Holland." She recently represented Lupin and Actavis in separate pharmaceutical patent disputes. Daryl Wiesen is described as a "very practical, but creative thinker" by a client, adding he has "great oral and written advocacy skills." He was involved in the newsworthy patent suit GlaxoSmithKline v Teva, which resulted in a $235 million verdict against Teva being erased. The case was one of the Patent Impact Cases of the Year at the 2018 LMG Life Sciences Awards. Duncan Greenhalgh is a notable patent strategist heavily involved in both IP and transaction-related matters for pharmaceutical clients. He is versed in prosecution, portfolio development and due diligences.

New to the firm's list of LMG Life Sciences stars is Elaine Blais, an attorney who is repeatedly praised for her effectiveness as a patent litigator, supported by market feedback labeling her a "great litigation strategist" with "very good trial instincts." She recently acted for Celltrion in an IPR which resulted in the cancellation of claims related to a Genentech patent covering biologic drug Herceptin. Patent attorney Theresa Kavanaugh also makes her debut as a star. She is noted by a client for her "outstanding technical advice."

Greenberg Traurig's life sciences practice offers an experienced group of IP attorneys strong in Hatch-Waxman litigation, patent strategy and prosecution. The firm's pharmaceutical and biotech practice operates largely out of its Boston and New York locations, which continue to grow with the additions of several patent-focused practitioners. "The life sciences IP team at Greenberg Traurig is extremely knowledgeable in many areas of pharmaceutical patent work, and always delivers results on time," a client says. "Communication with the team is never a problem, and they work well with the company's inside IP team to best protect our valuable IP assets."

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. Jonathan Ball has a diverse practice focused on IP litigation, post-grant proceedings and patent counseling. He was shortlisted by LMG Life Sciences for the New York Patent Strategy & Management Attorney of the Year award.

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. In addition to his practice at the firm, he is deeply involved in the IP community as a co-chair and founder of the American Bar Association's medical device committee, and as an editorial contributor to a number of law-focused journals. 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. A client says about prosecution co-chair Barry Schindler: "If you want a top-notch, intelligent and honest IP attorney, you need not look further." The client adds Schindler and his team are "always available on the fly to answer specific questions or give advice."

Debuting on the stars list this year is Michael Imbacuan, who has extensive experience handling Hatch-Waxman litigations for generic clients, including notable representations of Amneal and Dr Reddy's in patent disputes.

Irell & Manella continues to be a patent litigation powerhouse in the life sciences space, helming litigations involving sophisticated technologies for companies small and large. 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."

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. David Gindler's practice is almost entirely focused on patent disputes for life sciences companies. He is currently representing Genentech against more than a dozen IPR challengers seeking to clear the client's patents covering its blockbuster biologic Rituxan. In 2017, Gindler was named the California General Patent Litigator of the Year at the LMG Life Sciences Awards and is shortlisted in the same category this year. Jason Sheasby represents the firm's incoming generation of litigation talent and has quickly developed a name for himself in the legal market for his work in patent disputes.

Jones Day's team of about 100 life sciences attorneys includes a number of experienced practitioners offering services in general patent litigation, Hatch-Waxman disputes, patent strategy and prosecution. The firm is notable for its broad geographic footprint, including major US life sciences hubs New York and San Diego.

Anthony Insogna is global co-chair of the firm's IP practice, and was the lead trial strategist behind the $2.54 billion patent infringement win for Idenix in 2016, at the time the largest damages award for such a case. Insogna's practice focuses on patent disputes, portfolio management and due diligence. Calvin Griffith has handled patent suits spanning numerous technology areas, and boasts an impressive client list including Merck, Johnson& Johnson and AbbVie. DC-based Greg Castanias is head of the firm's Federal Circuit group. During his tenure he has acted in more than 70 matters before the appellate court. Brent Sokol is experienced in all IP litigation, as well as strategy in relation to IP transactions.

Adriane Antler is one of the standouts in the firm's New York office, and has established a reputation as a consummate patent strategist for life sciences clients, bolstered by a PhD in molecular biology. Notable representations include Biogen, Boehringer Ingelheim and Acorda therapeutics. She was shortlisted in the New York Patent Strategy & Management Attorney of the Year category at the 2018 LMG Life Sciences Awards.

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 mamagement and post-grant proceedings, bolstered by a PhD in neuroscience. A patent attorney at a competing firm says, "She's my first choice if I have to refer a matter." 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 patent litigation with an enviable bench of attorneys acting for major life sciences companies. The firm is well known for representing branded companies in Hatch-Waxman disputes, but has recently shown activity on the generic side as well.

A competitor says the firm "possesses a highly talented, aggressive litigation team with [a] proven track record." Contributing to Kirkland's successful track record is Leora Ben-Ami, a nationally renowned patent trial lawyer with deep experience representing branded clients in pharmaceutical disputes. She recently acted for Boehringer Ingelheim in ANDA litigations against multiple defendants seeking generic entry of the client's branded Tradjenta and Jentadueto products.

Patricia Carson is an asset to the firm's patent litigation group with a practice almost entirely focused on life sciences companies. In July 2017 she secured a Federal Circuit ruling for client Merus NV which upheld a district court decision finding opponent Regeneron's patent unenforceable. James F Hurst, deemed a "great trial lawyer" by a peer, has a strong reputation in the life sciences space for his extensive experience acting as advocate for pharmaceutical clients. Notable representations include Abbott, Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear is one of the premier IP boutiques based in the West Coast, which offers a deep bench of more than 100 attorneys versed in life sciences matters. The firm's capabilities span the spectrum of IP services, including patent prosecution, strategic portfolio management, and Hatch-Waxman litigation. A pharmaceutical client describes the firm as "cost-effective" and able to "deliver results."

The Hatch-Waxman practice group is widely known for its representation of generic clients. Regarding the group's ability to apply business strategy to a patent litigation, a client says: "They consistently advise in their client's best interest, including in regards to settlement." William Zimmerman is co-chair of the Hatch-Waxman and life sciences practice groups and has developed a national reputation as a litigator for generic drug makers. "Bill is a highly experienced litigator, who can always be relied on to give solid, practical advice," a client says. Zimmerman recently obtained summary judgment for client Lupin Pharmaceuticals which dismissed all claims of patent infringement against the company. Joseph Re brings more than three decades of experience as an IP attorney, and is well-versed in handling jury trials and Federal Circuit appeals.

About Knobbe Martens's abilities in patent strategy, a client says: "They set a high standard in thoughtful communication, both in understanding our needs as a client and sharing relevant knowledge." Biotechnology group chair Michael Fuller makes his debut as an LMG Life Sciences star this year for his skill as an advisor to life sciences clients related to portfolio management, due diligences and licensing agreements. According to a client, Fuller "knows the field and is great a communicating." Patent strategist Salima Merani recently acted as lead counsel for Sienna Biopharmaceuticals in a series of high-stakes deals, including an IPO diligence which resulted in a $65 million raise. This year she was recognized as the California Patent Strategy & Management Attorney of the Year by LMG Life Sciences.

Latham & Watkins provides a full suite of IP services for life sciences clients, most notably in patent litigation. The firm has an established practice in Hatch-Waxman disputes for generic companies, and is active in biosimilars litigation under the Biologic Price Competition and Innovation Act.

IP litigation group co-chair Michael Morin offers extensive experience in pharmaceutical patent disputes, and is one of the firm's leading attorneys handling biosimilars litigations. He is currently serving as lead counsel for AbbVie in various competitor disputes, including consolidated suits in the District of Delaware that assert five patents against Gilead for its blockbuster drug Harvoni. David Frazier is co-lead with Morin in the ongoing case Amgen v AbbVie, defending AbbVie against an attempt to launch a biosimilar of its $14 billion drug Humira. Maximilian Grant contributed to the firm's active year in patent litigation with two cases in the district courts for medical device client InfoBionic, as well as related IPRs at the Patent Office. David Callahan successfully defended Zimmer Biomet in a multibillion-dollar dispute against Howmedica which lasted 13 years. The team was successful in invalidating four patents to secure the win and obtained $14 million in attorney's fees.

Kenneth Schuler and Daniel Brown are both significantly involved in Hatch-Waxman disputes. They are currently representing Mallinckrodt in a series of patent infringement suits related to the client's drug Ofirmev. The firm was shortlisted in the generics category for Hatch-Waxman Litigation Firm of the Year at the 2018 LMG Life Sciences Awards.

IP firm Leydig Voit & Mayer is notable for its representation of life sciences clients in patent prosecution and strategy, and continues to show involvement in noteworthy patent litigations. The firm expanded its footprint this year in Colorado with the strategic hiring of several Lathrop Gage life sciences IP attorneys.

Bruce Gagala and John Kilyk are two of the firm's leading members in the life sciences practice, who each offer deep experience in patent strategy and litigation. The two attorneys were both involved in a significant biologics dispute for Samsung Bioepis against Janssen, resulting in the client moving forward with its biosimilar version of the blockbuster drug Remicade. Salim Hasan has more than 25 years of experience in IP law, which encompasses both patent strategy and IP litigation. His knowledge of patent issues extends to global jurisdictions.

Steve Sklar is new to the life sciences stars list for his work in Hatch-Waxman litigations for generic clients. He was recently active for Aurobindo in a Hatch-Waxman dispute against Amgen.

Chicago boutique Marshall Gerstein & Borun is top-tier in patent prosecution and strategy, offering expert attorneys with knowledge of all areas of life sciences. While the firm has often been lauded for its strength in the non-contentious patent arena, the firm's litigation skills were recently on display with a high-profile win in Amgen v Hospira, the first biosimilars infringement dispute to reach a jury verdict.

John Labbé was first-chair trial counsel for Amgen in the litigation, which resulted in a $70 million damages award for the client. He was recognized as the Illinois General Patent Litigator of the Year at the 2018 LMG Life Sciences Awards for his role in the case. Kevin Flowers is head of the firm's biotech and pharmaceutical litigation team, and was also a part of the trial team in the Amgen biosimilar dispute. Julianne Hartzell and Sandip Patel currently represent Dr Emmanuelle Charpentier and CRISPR Therapeutics in the headline-making interference related to the gene editing technology CRISPR-Cas9.

Pamela Cox, deemed a "licensing guru" by a competitor, is chair of the firm's IP transactions group and advisor to many sophisticated clients in relation to their portfolio management and business strategies. At the 2018 LMG Life Sciences Awards she was recognized as the Midwest Patent Strategy & Management Attorney of the Year. Managing partner Jeffrey Sharp is a "very good leader," a peer says, who applies more than 30 years of experience to his practice focused on patent prosecution and counseling for clients almost exclusively in the life sciences area. David Gass is another standout in the firm's patent group who offers IP services to a diverse life sciences client base.

Mayer Brown offers a full suite of IP services to life sciences clients, including patent litigation, prosecution and strategy. The firm is notable for its representation of high-profile drug makers on the branded side, including companies in the biologics arena.

Lisa Ferri, described as a "great lawyer" by a peer, serves as co-head of the firm's IP practice, and is sharply focused on life sciences-related patent disputes. She is experienced in ANDA litigations, biosimilars disputes and post-grant proceedings. Ferri recently achieved success for client Sanofi in a patent dispute against Genentech and the Washington Research Foundation, which resulted in the Seattle District Court finding the client's cancer drug Elitek does not infringe the asserted patent.

Joseph Mahoney serves as co-chair of the life sciences industry group and contributes to the firm's deep experience representing clients in Hatch-Waxman litigations and Patent Office disputes. He currently handles all IP-related matters for a major pharmaceutical company, including patent strategy, licensing and litigation. Colleen Tracy James is acting for Gilead Sciences in a pending Hatch-Waxman dispute against Mylan related to the company's blockbuster HIV prevention drug and treatment Truvada. A peer notes: "She really gives her all to her clients. She is thoughtful, smart, strategic and fun to work with."

One of the firm's newest stars is Vera Nackovic, who contributes to Mayer Brown's capabilities in patent prosecution and strategy. She provides expertise in IP protection and regulatory issues for clients in a number of technology areas in the life sciences space. Nackovic was recently involved as lead IP counsel for Gilead in its $567 million acquisition of Cell Design Labs, increasing the client's capacity in cellular therapy.

McNeill Baur is a patent prosecution and counseling firm that practices exclusively in the life sciences sector. The practitioners are well-versed in the biotechnology area, and have big law experience from a major IP firm. "McNeill Baur has a very strong group, and is moving up the ranks quickly," a competitor says. "With a few more years of experience, they could become a powerhouse in the industry."

Founding partners Rebecca McNeill and Amelia Feulner Baur have expertise in a number of legal services, including prosecution, IP strategy, post-grant proceedings and opinions. A peer says Baur is "an absolute star in life sciences." The partners have recently been active for the firm's mix of biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients by procuring patents and navigating their IP portfolios. Mary Henninger's background as a litigator brings a unique perspective to her work as a patent counselor. She offers expertise in many phases of patent disputes in addition to her prosecution-focused practice.

Morgan Lewis & Bockius is an international firm with an expansive footprint in the United States, armed with a deep bench of attorneys able to provide legal services across the IP spectrum. The firm is notable for counseling life sciences clients in patent strategy, prosecution and general patent litigation. Its patent litigation capabilities grew last July with the addition of seven life sciences-focused IP litigators from McDermott Will & Emery.

Michael Abernathy serves as co-head of the firm's IP litigation and life sciences IP practice groups. He has experience leading patent-related jury trials and Hatch-Waxman disputes for pharmaceutical clients. Abernathy was successful in clearing an 11-patent district court dispute against client Praxair by invalidating five of the patents asserted by Mallinckrodt and securing non-infringement verdicts for the other six. Eric Kraeutler is global head of the firm's IP practice, and has spent nearly four decades with the firm. He is versed in handling patent disputes for life sciences companies in district courts. Richard de Bodo is one of the firm's standout litigators experienced in Hatch-Waxman disputes. He has also been involved in biosimilar and medical device suits.

Patent strategist Jeffry Mann splits his time between the firm's Singapore and San Francisco offices, where he counsels clients on portfolio management, prosecution, and IP transactions. He recently represented cell therapy company Medisix Therapeutics in a $20 million Series A funding led by Lightstone Ventures to be used for product development and pre-clinical studies.

Morrison & Foerster offers a full suite of patent services for life sciences companies, most notably in the area of patent strategy and management. The firm is also well-versed in patent litigation for a diverse client base, often for pharmaceutical companies in the generic sector. The patent litigation group was center stage last year for winning the landmark case Sandoz v Amgen before the Supreme Court. It was significant for clarifying rules under the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act.

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. This year Polizzi was recognized for her outstanding career in the industry through her induction into the LMG Life Sciences Hall of Fame. Michael Ward serves as head of the firm's patent group and is co-chair of the IP practice. He focuses on portfolio management and strategic drafting of patent applications for life sciences companies.

Michael Jacobs also serves as co-chair of the IP practice, and is focused on patent litigation for a diverse mix of clients. He has deep experience handling patent disputes for biotechnology companies. David Manspeizer is another standout in the patent litigation practice, who contributes to the firm's strength in the Hatch-Waxman area.

Paul Hastings has a booming presence in the life sciences IP space, evidenced by its top ranking in both general patent litigation and Hatch-Waxman disputes. In addition to its courtroom capabilities, the firm is also renowned for its strong post-grant group handling contentious proceedings at the Patent Office. This year the firm had significant activity representing pharmaceutical clients in noteworthy cases, prompting its recognition as the 2018 LMG Life Sciences Hatch-Waxman Litigation Firm of the Year on the branded side.

One peer says the Paul Hastings patent litigation team is able to provide "excellent service in the area," while another notes, "These are people I can tell unequivocally belong on the list." Bruce Wexler is one of the firm's IP litigation headliners and serves as chair of the life sciences group. He and Chad Peterman were recently involved in a complete trial victory for Orexigen against opponent Actavis which sought generic entry for the client's branded weight loss drug Contrave.

Along with Wexler, Eric Dittmann and Patent Office group leader Naveen Modi led the successful challenge of a key patent related to blockbuster Humira portfolio. The three partners represented Boehringer Ingelheim in two IPRs before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board which ultimately invalidated a patent covering the drug's primary indication. Preston Ratliff and Joseph O'Malley obtained a noteworthy win for Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma and Sunovion at the Federal Circuit, which affirmed a district court decision preventing multiple generic challengers from marketing their own versions of the client's billion-dollar drug Latuda.

Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison delivers a capable team of attorneys well-versed in patent litigation for life sciences companies, notably in biosimilars disputes and post-grant proceedings. "They produce really extraordinary work," a competitor says about the litigation team. Paul Weiss has one of the pioneering practices in the burgeoning area of litigations under the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act, a continuing area of focus for the firm. The firm received a top-tier ranking this year for patent litigation due to its significant activity in cutting edge IP disputes.

Nicholas Groombridge is a trial lawyer at the forefront of the biosimilars litigation space. One peer says Groombridge is "doing a bang-up job in biologics," while another offers, "He's a good lawyer, not only on his feet, but also a good writer as well." He also has deep experience in patent disputes related to pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Groombridge was recognized as the New York General Patent Litigator of the Year at the 2018 LMG Life Sciences Awards. Steven Baughman is the firm's expert in Patent Office disputes, an area of increasing strategic importance in life sciences IP. He was shortlisted for the Post-Grant Proceedings Attorney of the Year Award by LMG Life Sciences in 2018 for his strength in the area.

Eric Stone makes his debut as a star this year for his significant work in patent litigations related to large and small molecule products. A competitor describes Stone as "effective" and an "aggressive lawyer."

Seattle-based Perkins Coie is notable for its work in patent prosecution and Hatch-Waxman litigation. The firm represents a diverse mix of clients in the life sciences sector, including companies in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device areas.

Life sciences group chair Michael Wise has a multidisciplinary practice encompassing patent litigation, prosecution and IP strategy. He represents longstanding client City of Hope in patent prosecution matters related to the company's various platform technologies. Shannon Bloodworth serves as co-chair of the IP practice, and is well known for her work in Hatch-Waxman litigations for generic clients. Madison partner David Anstaett is another experienced patent litigator with a concentration in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology areas.

New to the firm's roster of life sciences stars is Paul Parker, head of the medical device group and an experienced patent practitioner. He receives repeated praise from peers in the space for his work counseling companies on their med tech portfolios.

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. Noting the firm's bench strength, a peer says the firm ensures "clients will receive uniformly high quality across a given case team." The firm is also notable for its capability in Hatch-Waxman matters for branded drug makers. "They seem to be on fire bringing brand life science cases," a peer says.

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. 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's practice is primarily focused on pharma patent disputes, with additional expertise in FDA counseling, portfolio management and opinions.

Rakoczy Molino Mazzochi Siwik is a Chicago-based IP boutique exclusively dedicated to handling life sciences clients. The practice has more than 40 attorneys, a majority of whom hold advanced scientific degrees in a variety of subjects, including chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical engineering and pharmacy. Rakoczy Molino is particularly strong in the area of Hatch-Waxman litigation, representing generic companies in the small molecule space, and is also equipped to handle litigations in the burgeoning practice area under the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act. Since the firm was founded in 2004, its practitioners handled more than 240 Hatch-Waxman litigations and related matters.

Founding partners William Rakoczy and Paul Molino head substantial IP litigation practices, sharing extensive first-chair experience between the two of them. Rakoczy has handled matters at both the trial and appellate level, including cases related to blockbuster drugs such as Truvada, Lipitor, Prozac and Zoloft. Molino is also heavily involved in Hatch-Waxman work, seeing cases through from the pre-litigation phase up to trial. His past representations include cases related to high-selling drugs Cymbalta, Nasonex, Neurontin and Crestor.

Robins Kaplan's life sciences group is made of almost 30 attorneys, a number of whom contribute to the firm's notable ranking in Hatch-Waxman disputes for generic drug makers. According to a client, the firm 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."

Jake Holdreith serves as life sciences industry lead at the firm, and is focused on representing generic drug companies in patent litigation. He recently secured a dismissal for Collegium in an action brought by Purdue Pharma alleging the client's updated clinical information infringed its patents. "Jake is not just a lawyer, he is an advisor," a client says. "He has a knack for understanding not only the legal ramifications of litigation strategy, but also how they interplay with business strategy."

Ronald Schutz is another one of the firm's distinguished IP trial lawyers, and serves as managing partner of the New York office. He has been active for client Puget Bioventures in multiple patent suits, including one case that resulted in a stay being lifted after Puget's patent claims were upheld by the Patent Office.

Rothwell Figg Ernst & Manbeck is a DC-based IP firm with capabilities in patent-related litigation and prosecution. In the life sciences, the firm is most notable for its work in ANDA litigations, with experience stretching back to the inception of the Hatch-Waxman statute. Rothwell Figg actively represents generic pharmaceutical companies. A client says of the firm's IP litigation group, "The team is reliable, hardworking and dedicated to providing great customer service."

Anthony Figg is one of the founders of the firm whose extensive experience as a life sciences practitioner was acknowledged through his induction into the LMG Life Sciences Hall of Fame. At the firm he remains active as lead counsel for small molecule companies in their patent litigations, and lately is also involved in disputes related to biologics. Figg recently acted for pharmaceutical client Acrux in a PTAB challenge which successfully invalidated the basic patent covering antifungal drug Jublia. Veteran litigator Steven Lieberman is "strategic, aggressive and smart," a medical device client says. "He is my go-to outside counsel when I need a gut check." Lieberman's practice encompasses patent disputes in district court, Federal Circuit and the PTAB.

Danny Huntington recently represented Editas Medicine in a patent interference related to CRISPR applications which resulted in a favorable finding of no interference-in-fact. Joseph Hynds is focused on Hatch-Waxman litigations, and is also active in post-grant proceedings. He and Anthony Figg currently represent Coherus BioSciences in multiple IPRs seeking to challenge patents related to anti-cancer platform technology.

Sidley Austin's formidable bench of IP litigators earns its top ranking in general patent litigation and Hatch-Waxman disputes for branded drug makers. The firm is also noteworthy for its presence in the biosimilars arena.

David Pritikin is a standard-bearer in the firm's IP practice group, which he formally leads from the firm's Chicago office. He brings four decades of experience as a patent trial lawyer, over which time he has developed a national reputation as one of the top legal practitioners in the life sciences field. Pritikin is currently representing Johnson & Johnson in consolidated Hatch-Waxman litigations involving 14 generic defendants seeking to market generic versions of the client's prostate cancer drug Zytiga. He is also defending the company in related IPR proceedings challenging patents that cover the product. Jim Badke is currently acting as lead for medical device company Nevro in a high-profile patent suit against Boston Scientific alleging Nevro infringed 10 patents related to spinal cord stimulation technology. The case is set to go to trial in November 2018.

Debuting as LMG Life Sciences stars this year is Ching-Lee Fukuda, an experienced patent litigator in the firm's New York office. Fukuda is acting alongside Jim Badke in the bet-the-company Nevro case against Boston Scientific.

Intellectual property firm Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox offers a diverse set of services for clients in the life sciences industry, including patent prosecution, strategy and litigation. The firm is highly ranked in Hatch-Waxman litigation for generic drug makers and patent prosecution in a variety of technical areas. The firm is known for having one of the first prominent biotech practices, an area the firm still thrives in today.

Co-founder Jorge Goldstein is a fixture in the patent prosecution world and builder of the firm's biotech practice. "Jorge Goldstein is one of the best patent lawyers in the country," a peer says. "I've called him before on thorny issues, and he's great." He is one of the select individuals inducted into the LMG Life Sciences Hall of Fame. Eldora Ellison is a key individual in the firm's renowned PTAB litigation practice, offering deep experience in reexaminations, inter partes review and interferences. She recently led a team for Thermo Fisher Scientific in IPR proceedings against Bio-Rad, which resulted in a favorable settlement for the client. In 2017, Ellison was recognized as Post-Grant Proceedings Attorney of the Year at the LMG Life Sciences Awards.

Eric Steffe serves as chair of the firm's patent prosecution practice, and is commended by clients and peers for his work as an advisor to companies in biotechnology and other areas. He is part of a Sterne Kessler team advising Bioverativ on its patent portfolios related to hemophilia therapy. This year Steffe was named Patent Strategy and Management Attorney of the Year in the DC area. Gaby Longsworth provides strategic patent advice to biopharmaceutical clients, and is experienced representing clients in both the branded and generic sectors.

Dennies Varughese debuted as a star this year for his work in the firm's active Hatch-Waxman litigation practice. He holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, a rare credential in the patent litigation space. He recently acted for Alembic Pharmaceuticals in a suit brought by Otsuka asserting the client infringed a patent covering blockbuster antipsychotic drug Abilify.

The 2018 combination of attorneys from Venable and Fitzpatrick Cella Harper & Scinto resulted in a full-service group in the life sciences patent arena. The group is recommended for its strength in Hatch-Waxman patent litigation and portfolio management for pharmaceutical and biologic products.

"They provide well-thought-out, cost-effective and strategic advice in a timely manner," a client says about the firm's patent litigation group. Another client notes the firm's "exceptional ability to hear client's concerns and design a solution that meets those concerns." Dominick Conde is a leader in the firm's ANDA litigation practice who brings 25 years of experience in the area and frequently advocates for the firm's life sciences clients in the courtroom. He had recent success for client Pozen in a suit that upheld the validity of the client's Orange Book patents covering the product Vimovo.

Scott Reed serves as chairman of the firm's litigation practice group, and is experienced in biotechnology and pharmaceutical disputes. A client says about patent litigation veteran John Murnane: "I have met few lawyers with John's ability to understand the client's unique needs and to execute a plan to fit those needs. John has the ability to work with the court, outside counsel and the client." Ha Kung Wong successfully defended Alkermes in an IPR which challenged a patent related to its product Risperdal. Wong is described by a client as "responsive" and "a pleasure to work with."

Patent strategist Alicia Russo has a "deep understanding of both the law and the technology," a client says, further adding she is "able to advise her clients well, and also take a practical, business-minded approach." Russo is experienced in portfolio development, patent prosecution and due diligence.

Weil Gotshal & Manges is an international firm with particular strength in general patent litigation for life sciences companies.

Silicon Valley partner Edward Reines is "smart," "aggressive" and a "very good overall strategic thinker," a peer says. He is often noted for his ability in appellate cases, and has significant experience handling patent jury trials. Reines recently represented Illumina in multiple patent disputes against its competitors, one of which resulted in a preliminary injunction ruling in favor of the client.

Elizabeth Weiswasser is described as "very bright and insightful" by a peer, and is one of the firm's leading patent litigators with an emphasis on the life sciences. She currently represents Sanofi in both IPR proceedings and a district court litigation related to the client's blockbuster Lantus Solostar insulin franchise. Both Reines and Weiswasser serve as co-heads of the nationwide patent litigation practice and the firm's life sciences practice. They were shortlisted by LMG Life Sciences for the General Patent Litigator of the Year Award in their respective jurisdictions of California and New York.

DC firm Williams & Connolly receives top rankings in all areas of patent litigation in the life sciences industry. The firm is well known for its capabilities in Hatch-Waxman disputes, and for its position as a leading practice in biosimilars litigations. "Williams & Connolly has been on an absolute tear," a peer says. "I don't know what they're doing, but their name is everywhere." Another competitor says: "That's a firm that's always impressed. They have a longstanding tradition of doing outstanding litigation work."

The firm's Hatch-Waxman group is regarded by a competitor as the "cream of the crop" on the branded side. Bruce Genderson is a mainstay in the practice area, carrying a national reputation for his work representing high-profile clients like Bayer, Eli Lilly, Alcon, and others in patent disputes. He is currently defending Bayer in a multibillion-dollar patent infringement suit brought by Biogen related to the client's Betaseron product. Adam Perlman, described as "smart" and "confident" by a competitor, is another top ANDA litigator at the firm and co-chair of the patent litigation group. He recently represented Alcon in a Hatch-Waxman dispute that upheld the validity of the company's patent covering ophthalmic drug Pazeo.

David Berl and Jessamyn Berniker are helming some of the firm's significant biosimilars litigations, including a patent licensing suit for AstraZeneca entity MedImmune against AbbVie. The team was successful in dismissing AbbVie's case with prejudice, which was later affirmed on appeal at the Federal Circuit. A peer says the firm's biopharma litigators are "very aggressive" and a "good adversary." Berl is described by a competitor as a "real, outstanding life sciences litigator."

Paul Gaffney made the stars list this year for his meaningful work in biosimilars disputes. He currently represents Genentech in two biopharma suits, including a challenge made by Amgen related to antibody drug Avastin. Also of note is Thomas Fletcher, an up-and-coming patent practitioner who received recognition this year as Intellectual Property Rising Star at the LMG Life Sciences Awards.

Boston-based WilmerHale exhibits expertise in nearly all areas of the life sciences IP space. The firm is most known for its patent litigation capabilities in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries and for a superstar bench of courtroom attorneys. WilmerHale is active in Hatch-Waxman litigation, biosimilars disputes, post-grant proceedings and patent strategy.

William Lee is a premier trial attorney whose name carries weight not just in the life sciences patent space, but in the IP sector as a whole. "He's pretty much everywhere in IP," one peer chimes, while another says "they are a formidable team" with Lee at the helm. He has deep experience trying cases related to pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical devices, and lately has been involved in biosimilars disputes. IP litigation co-chair Lisa Pirozzolohas a variety of experience in the patent contentious area, including district court trials, appeals, ITC proceedings and arbitrations. For the second year in a row, Pirozzolo was named New England General Patent Litigator of the Year at the 2018 LMG Life Sciences Awards.

The firm's PTAB practice is one of the leading groups in the market, supported in part by Emily Whelan, who specializes in post-grant proceedings for clients in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. A peer describes Whelan and her post-grant team as "doing great work at Wilmer," adding, "they know their stuff." Along with Lee and Pirozzolo, Whelan was involved in a dispute for client Millennium Pharmaceuticals, which resulted in a favorable precedential opinion that determined a district court erred in declaring its patent invalid as obvious. The case was recognized as one of the Patent Impact Cases of the Year at the LMG Life Sciences Awards. Amy Wigmore is currently acting for Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer in a Hatch-Waxman dispute that began as one of the largest ANDA litigations ever filed with 25 generic defendants. A trial opponent of New York partner Robert Gunther says, "I found him to be an accomplished attorney and someone you can get along with." Gunther recently acted for Roche and BD in patent disputes against Enzo Life Sciences.

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is well known for its work in patent prosecution and portfolio strategy with a business-savvy focus. The firm has a strong presence in the Bay Area and has deep experience representing emerging and mid-size companies. This year Wilson Sonsini received a top ranking in Hatch-Waxman litigation for its practice representing generic pharmaceutical clients.

James Heslin is referred to as the "grandfather of the medical device world" by a peer, an area he has practiced in for more than two decades. He specializes in patent procurement, portfolio management, opinions, due diligence and licensing agreements, among other areas. Vern Norviel is head of the firm's patent counseling practice, and is one of Wilson Sonsini's top IP strategists. He advises life sciences clients in areas including diagnostics, therapeutics, nanotechnology and personalized medicine. In addition to his deep experience as a legal professional in private practice, he also has an in-house background as general counsel for a biotechnology company. Jeffrey Guise is a partner in the firm's San Diego office, where he offers clients services in patent procurement, licensing agreements and opinions.

Douglas Carsten was added to the firm's star roster this year for his work as one of Wilson Sonsini's involved Hatch-Waxman litigators. He notably represented Mylan in a high-profile suit against Allergan where he was successful in invalidating all patents covering the opponent's drug Restasis. This year he was shortlisted for the Generic Hatch-Waxman Litigator of the Year Award by LMG Life Sciences.

Winston & Strawn is one of the premier patent litigation firms for companies in the life sciences space. 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.

"I think Winston has the best generics group hands down," a competitor says about the firm's Hatch-Waxman team. "[They are] way better than anyone else." A peer on the branded side says Winston & Strawn comes to mind "when I think [about] who will put up a good fight." George Lombardi is considered one of the foremost ANDA litigators for generic clients, a reputation bolstered by a significant year of patent work in the life sciences area. He currently represents Sandoz against Amgen entity Immunex in a biosimilars litigation related to marketed drug Enbrel. A peer calls him a "terrific lawyer in this space," while another says, "I would not hesitate to send work to George Lombardi."

Michael Nutter is a first-chair trial lawyer and full-time life sciences practitioner. 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. Stephen Smerek had recent success for InnoPharma, an entity of Pfizer, in an ANDA litigation against Allergan related to its dry eye treatment Restasis.

IP co-chair Charles Klein is a new addition to the LMG Life Sciences stars list for exceptional work in pharmaceutical patent disputes. "I've had a lot of experience with him, and he is a very accomplished trial lawyer and litigator in the Hatch-Waxman space," a peer says of Klein. "He is tremendously responsive to his clients, and clients really like him. I think he is at the top of his game." Maureen Rurka also debuts as a star and is notably acting alongside Lombardi in the biosimilars dispute for Sandoz.

Wolf Greenfield & Sacks is a Boston-based IP boutique specializing in patent counseling and strategy for clients in a number of technical areas in the life sciences field. A peer says the firm is a "reliable heavyweight in patent prosecution," an area the firm receives top ranking. A client notes the firm's patent professionals deliver "excellent responsiveness and knowledge of the relevant business and technology space." In addition to the firm's strength in non-contentious patent matters, the group also has significant expertise handling post-grant proceedings at the Patent Office.

President and managing partner Timothy Oyer specializes in patent procurement, portfolio strategy, opinions, licensing agreements, and other areas. He currently leads a team with Patrick RH Waller advising Oxford Nanopore on its patent portfolio related to diagnostic testing and germ monitoring. 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. Maryanne Trevisan provides clients with deep prosecution expertise in a number of advanced scientific areas, including cell biology and cancer therapies.

Biotechnology group chair Helen Lockhart is a new member of the stars list this year for her expert guidance in IP matters for sophisticated life sciences clients. She currently acts as patent advisor to CRISPR Therapeutics, handling prosecution and strategy for the company's portfolio related to the groundbreaking technology CRISPR-Cas9.