Speakers

Bart Newland

Chris Sharp

Chad Shear

Chad is a principal in the firm’s San Diego office and is the go-to patent litigator for numerous multinational life sciences companies — including Gilead, GSK, iCeutica, Iroko, Coherus Biosciences and Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma — whose marquee products deliver billions of dollars in annual revenues. He draws on his litigation experience, extensive network of scientific and business experts, and detailed knowledge of his clients’ companies to provide strategic legal counsel on a wide range of business matters. With extensive global experience, including serving as lead attorney in complex patent proceedings, trials and appeals across Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia, Chad has proven to be a results-focused, hands-on leader known for assembling and managing effective, collaborative teams across multiple time zones, firms, and languages.

David Shofi

Fiona Legere, Partner, Blakes

Geoffrey Biegler

Hon. Paul R. Michel (Ret.)

John Cox

With deep knowledge of issues facing the life sciences industry, John Cox counsels clients regarding their worldwide intellectual property rights and represents their patent interests when litigation arises, particularly regarding pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnology matters. John takes his role in protecting these important assets of life science innovators very seriously while approaching each matter with enthusiasm.

Through his ability to communicate effectively and succinctly, John advises on, develops, and carries out global IP strategies for the benefit of innovative companies, his clients, who are focused on developing core assets that save and improve the lives of patients. John enjoys leveraging his unique ability to put together targeted and enduring teams for each matter – paying close attention to each person’s strengths and skillsets and how they fit with one another, alongside his highly specialized experience and thoughtful and responsive nature.
John is intimately familiar with the pharmaceutical industry, having dealt with patent and IP subject matter ranging from brain chemistry, the gastrointestinal system, drug delivery systems and treatments of rare diseases and cancer to medical diagnostic methods, the generation of biofuel using bacteria, and processes for manufacturing chemicals and pharmaceutical products. He also has almost two decades of experience in Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) cases, including pre-litigation investigations.

John offers guidance from the first step of a matter through to resolution, including all aspects of litigation. He has extensive experience related to discovery and motion practice, as well as in developing offensive and defensive strategies. He is well versed in dealing with complex subject matter and technical witnesses, such as inventors and experts.

John adeptly helps clients navigate the crossroads of foreign business practices and the complexities of U.S. patent practice, having worked with foreign pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnology companies throughout his career.

John Norman

Kevin Yurkerwich

Dr. Leslie Fischer

Leslie Fischer is a Principal Patent Attorney at Sandoz, who focuses on global IP strategy for biosimilars. Before joining Sandoz, Leslie was a patent attorney at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, where she worked for over a decade developing global patent portfolios for biologicals. Before joining the Novartis group, Leslie was an associate at Fitzpatrick Cella (NY) (now Venable). Leslie holds a J.D. from Rutgers University and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Thomas Jefferson University. Her scientific work appears in JCB, JBC, and Osteoarthritis & Cartilage. She speaks frequently at patent-related events and is an adjunct professor at Seton Hall Law School.

Matt Murphy

Paul Inman

With more than 25 years' experience of litigating intellectual property (IP) disputes both within the UK and internationally, Paul Inman works with companies ranging from small start-ups to major multi-national corporations. He specialises in the life sciences sector, which includes acting on high-profile pharmaceutical patent infringement cases in the UK Patents Court.

Paul provides life science businesses with commercial advice from an international outlook. His specialist experience ideally places him to provide this expertise and client care, with the ultimate aim of delivering well-rounded advice and guidance to ensure the best possible outcome.

As well as litigating in the English courts, he has co-ordinated and advised on IP and regulatory litigation matters across the globe; from all over Europe and the US, to as far afield as Asia, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Successfully guiding clients through the maze of litigation is where Paul's strength lies, having now been involved over 25 years of litigation in cases leading to more than 40 reported judgments. These range from the tribunals of the UK Patent Office up to the House of Lords, European Patent Office and European Court of Justice.

Paul also has a degree in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and during his professional career has established an outstanding reputation in the market. He is distinguished in the 2023 edition of IAM Patent 1000: The World's Leading Patent Professionals, ranked individually for both IP law and life sciences law in the peer review publication 'Best Lawyers® in the UK' and recognised in several categories within Chambers & Partners UK 2023.

Raymond Parker III

Robin Ellis

Sophie Wang

Victoria Reines