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 for CHA Bio & Diostech Co., Ltd.
Established Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine International, Inc., a joint venture between CHA Bio & Diostech Co., Ltd. and Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. Stem International is pursuing the development of stem cell technologies based on hemangioblasts (i.e., stem cells that differentiate into hematopoietic and endothelial cells). You can read more in this Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. press release. (2008)
Securities transaction for Kaiser Venture Group
Fund formation and portfolio company investments. (2005-present)
ProteoTech, Inc. v. Unicity International, Inc.
Represented nutraceutical product patent holder ProteoTech, Inc. in patent and trademark infringement litigation against former licensee. Won partial summary judgment on issue of first impression with regard to sub-licensing of non-exclusive license agreements; case settled thereafter. 542 F. Supp. 2d 1218, 87 U.S.P.Q.2d 1317 (W.D. Wash. 2008)
Technology transfer for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Handling domestic and foreign patent prosecution, intellectual property licensing, and a variety of research-oriented agreements for a wide range of biotechnical and medical technologies developed at Cedars-Sinai. Supporting Cedars-Sinai's technology transfer operations, and providing strategic counseling to enable Cedars-Sinai to protect, leverage and enforce its intellectual property assets. (Ongoing)
Sale of business for Cytopeia, Inc
Represented a biotech equipment manufacturer in its sale to Becton Dickinson and Co. (2008)
Corporate finance for Confirma, Inc.
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. (2007)
Technology transfer for Dignity Health (formerly Catholic Healthcare West)
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 Dignity Health, and prepare and prosecute domestic and foreign patent applications based upon those technologies. (Ongoing)
Mergers and acquisitions for AVI BioPharma, Inc.
We represented AVI, a biotechnology company, focused on the discovery and development of RNA-based drugs, in its acquisition of Ercole Biotechnology, Inc. (2007)
Sale of business for Healia
Represented medical device software developer in its sale to Meredith Corp. (2007)
Securities transaction for AVI BioPharma, Inc.
Secondary public offering. (2009)
Securities transaction for Previser
Represented medical device software company in a Series A preferred stock financing from Ignition Partners. (2007)
Acquisition of business for MDS PharmaServices
Acquisition of Skeletech, a therapeutically focused contract research organization providing pre-clinical discovery and development services in bone and central nervous system biologies. (2005)
Oregon Health & Science University v. Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Represented plaintiff in a lawsuit against a drug manufacturer in a claim of breach of contract and various patent related issues. (D. Or.) |