Overview
Our firm boasts IP law’s largest and most experienced biotechnology group, with more than 60 attorneys and scientists representing clients in all stages of their business and technology development.
Our clients are innovators in a variety of disciplines including PCR, molecular tools and probes, immunology (antibodies and other binding proteins), cell varieties and uses (including stem cells), and biological polymers, to name but a few.
Our experience across the entire biotech landscape gives us great insight into specific technologies, systems, and markets. More importantly, our holistic understanding of the interrelated technologies and systems typically involved in a single invention allows us to provide coordinated guidance and counsel from inception though introduction.
Working in collaboration with more than 300 IP firms worldwide, we effect patent, trademark, copyright, and other filings, and direct oppositions, cancellations, and litigation matters in over 120 countries. We have considerable experience in negotiating and drafting traditional licensing agreements as well as agreements for strategic alliances, partnerships, and joint ventures.
We also maintain a talented litigation department adept in all aspects of biotechnology IP law, including the Biosimilars legislation. Our extensive Hatch-Waxman litigation experience combined with our understanding of the biotechnology industry uniquely positions Knobbe Martens to help clients develop and implement litigation strategies designed to maximize their place in the Biosimilars market place. In addition, we have considerable experience litigating before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the International Trade Commission.
Representative Experience
Capricor, Inc.
Firm client, Los Angeles-based Capricor, was featured in a story on CBS Evening News national broadcast that focused on Capricor’s proprietary mix of stem cells derived from adult (non-embryonic) cardiac tissue. The report showed evidence that these stem cells can regenerate damaged areas of the heart and improve heart function. Findings were presented at a meeting of the American Heart Association on November 14. Knobbe Martens has been protecting Capricor’s intellectual property rights since 2007.
Kyoto University
Knobbe Martens worked closely with Professor Yamanaka and his team to obtain U.S. Patent No. 8,048,999, the first patent granted for the work which led to Professor Yamanaka’s Nobel Prize. This patent relates to a nuclear programming factor for the production of induced pluripotent stem cells from adult cells. It is expected that the production of these induced pluripotent stem cells will ultimately lead to treatments that allow the complete regeneration of injured and diseased tissues.
Knobbe Martens continues to represent Kyoto University in connection with its ongoing efforts to obtain patent protection in the United States for Professor Yamanaka’s further work. We are greatly honored that Kyoto University entrusted Knobbe Martens to assist it in connection with such groundbreaking work, and we particularly appreciate the opportunity to work with Professor Yamanaka, a scientist of such renowned stature.
Sigris Research, Inc.
Knobbe Martens represents Sigris Research, Inc., a California-based biotechnology company that manufactures DNA sample preparation instruments and holds a portfolio of patents in the field of nucleic acid extraction and purification. Sigris filed suit against bioMérieux SA, a company headquartered in France, over bioMérieux’s alleged infringement of Sigris’ technology. Attorneys from Knobbe Martens assisted Sigris in reaching a worldwide settlement, and negotiated a license of the Sigris patents to bioMérieux.
University Client (Confidential)
Successfully represented a European university/patentee and its licensee, a European biotechnology company, in a patent arbitration before the ICDR relating to DNA cloning methods.