Larissa Bifano > DLA Piper LLP (US) > Boston, United States > Lawyer Profile

The patent prosecution offering at DLA Piper LLP (US) is led by Boston-based patent prosecution national chair Larissa Bifano , described as ‘incredibly business-minded’; San Diego-based co-practice group leader Sean Cunningham ; and deputy practice group leader Gina Durham , who is based in San Francisco. The team has undergone significant change in 2022 since the arrival to the Philadelphia office of three specialized IP partners from Troutman Pepper in early 2022: health sciences specialist Raymond Miller; patent expert Joseph Helmsen, and N Nicole Endejann, who is adept in patent prosecution. Additionally, patent due diligence partner Melissa Harwood joined the Seattle team from Polsinelli PC in April 2022. Associate Joseph Wolfe, who assists on many of the team’s most complex matters, is a name to note.

DLA Piper LLP (US) acts on behalf of global companies involved in numerous industries and sectors in relation to patent transactions, technologies regarding patent licensing as well as transactions involving covenants. The firm advises clients on patent licensing transactions to settle patent litigation, also possessing expertise in the creation, management and monetization of patent portfolios. Notably, the firm also advises technology clients on patent licensing in connection with M&A, which includes the sale of assets, among others. Its matters encompass a variety of jurisdictions, such as the UK and Germany, with an ability to handle issues on a global market scale. Boston’s Larissa Bifano is experienced in patenting and licensing artificial intelligence driven systems and methods for clients. Victoria Lee, who is based in Silicon Valley, contributes a wide range of expertise, including strategic IP counselling, licensing agreements and technology spin-outs from universities. Alongside them, Sean Cunningham, who is based in the firm’s San Diego office, and Gina Durham, who is based in the firm’s San Francisco office, also lead the team. San Diego’s Lisa Haile concentrates on patent protection and IP transactional matters.