Our life sciences team is focused intensively on this industry, and many of our lawyers hold advanced scientific degrees. We represent biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies and research institutions focused on device and life sciences research. Our group debuted with a Band 3 ranking in California when it appeared on the Chambers USA rankings (2009).
We provide a broad range of services to research institutions and early- and mid-stage companies. We also provide specialized services to pharmaceutical companies, including patent prosecution, as well as support of strategic investments in and acquisitions of smaller companies.
Our patent team works with all types of clients at every stage of the patent process, from patentability assessment to domestic and foreign patent procurement, licensing and litigation. Our business lawyers also work with a broad range of companies from formation and early rounds of funding, through later financing, initial public offering and beyond. We work with companies across the U.S. and, in cooperation with other law firms, in Europe and Asia.
Research institutions
We provide patent prosecution and other services to support academic technology transfer operations, as well as other services that are core to an organization’s success. We have some of the nation’s leading authorities on the tax and other compliance matters particular to an organization’s nonprofit status, including properly handling unrelated business income rules. We counsel many clients on a range of health care-related compliance issues, including privacy, reimbursement and bioethics that, if mishandled, can stop or slow research progress. We frequently help clients with real estate issues related to research and laboratory facilities. We also handle trade secret agreements, immigration matters for researchers, executive compensation agreements and general employment counseling and litigation.
Because of our work with early-stage companies, we can also help make connections with investors and entrepreneurs who would be interested in the technology developed within the research organization.
Early- and mid-stage companies
We often serve as outside general counsel to emerging companies, primarily in the medical device and biotechnology markets. We form the companies, help secure angel or venture financing, protect the companies’ intellectual property, acquire other technologies, create and review contracts, develop employment, executive compensation and noncompetition agreements, and negotiate strategic investments. Drawing on the resources of our full-service firm, we also support our clients in related areas, such as real estate, immigration and litigation. We have particular experience selling emerging medical device companies to large companies within the industry.
Big pharma
With a strong life sciences patent group, we can provide effective and efficient patent prosecution and licensing services. Moreover, our strong relationships with research institutions and entrepreneurs position us to provide additional value by connecting our clients to technology and business partners that can be useful to large companies.
Selected Experience
Joint venture
CHA Biotech Co., Ltd.
2008
We established Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine International, Inc., a joint venture between CHA Biotech Co., Ltd. and Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. Stem International is pursuing the development of stem cell technologies based on hemangioblasts – stem cells that differentiate into blood and endothelial cells.
Securities transaction
Kaiser Venture Group
Ongoing
We have handled portfolio company investments since 2005.
ProteoTech, Inc. v. Unicity International, Inc.
ProteoTech, Inc.
2008
We represented a nutraceutical product patent holder in patent and trademark infringement litigation against a former licensee, winning partial summary judgment on an issue of first impression with regard to sub-licensing under nonexclusive license agreements. The case settled thereafter.
Technology Transfer
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Ongoing
We support Cedars-Sinai’s technology transfer operations and provide strategic counseling to enable Cedars-Sinai to protect, leverage and enforce its intellectual property assets. We have supported numerous licensing and spin-off transactions for technologies developed at Cedars-Sinai, such as those involving diagnostics and therapeutics for gastrointestinal disorders, vaccines for brain cancer, analytic services based on proteomics, fluorescence-based technologies useful in cardiology diagnostics, and a treatment for obesity. We also negotiate collaborative research agreements for academic research consortia and sponsored research agreements involving private sector support, manage material transfer agreements for proprietary materials and clinical samples, and address intellectual property matters in clinical trials.
Sale of business
Cytopeia, Inc
2008
We represented a biotech equipment manufacturer in its sale to Becton Dickinson and Company.
Corporate finance
Confirma, Inc.
2007
We represented a medical device software developer in a Series C Preferred Stock financing by Telegraph Hill Partners; a venture loan from Silicon Valley Bank and Oxford Finance Corporation; convertible debt financing from Versant Ventures, Prism Ventures, Fluke Ventures and Northwest Venture Partners; and a strategic alliance with GE Healthcare.
Technology Transfer
Catholic Healthcare West
Ongoing
We assisted this healthcare system in developing its technology transfer program, and support its intellectual property commercialization efforts. We assess the patentability of technologies developed by researchers, physicians and nursing staff affiliated with CHW, and prepare and prosecute domestic and foreign patent applications based upon those technologies.
Mergers and acquisitions
AVI BioPharma, Inc.
2007
We represented AVI, a biotechnology company, focused on the discovery and development of RNA-based drugs, in its acquisition of Ercole Biotechnology, Inc.
Sale of business
Healia
2007
We represented this medical device software developer in its sale to Meredith Corporation.
Securities transaction
AVI BioPharma, Inc.
2007
We represented AVI in a secondary public offering.
Securities transaction
Previser
2007
We represented this medical device software company in a Series A Preferred Stock financing from Ignition Partners.
Acquisition of business
MDS PharmaServices
2005
We represented MDS in its acquisition of Skeletech, a therapeutically -focused contract research organization.
Oregon Health & Science University v. Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Oregon Health & Science University
Represented research medical school against drug manufacturer in a claim of breach of contract and patent violations.
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