Douglas Carsten > McDermott Will & Emery LLP > Irvine, United States > Lawyer Profile

The intellectual property team at McDermott Will & Emery LLP conducts complex IP litigation nationally and internationally, often securing victories in federal district and appellate courts, as well as appearing before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. The group particularly excels in the healthcare, pharma and life sciences area, acting for the likes of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Amgen, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, United Therapeutics, and Mylan Pharmaceuticals. Operating out of Silicon Valley, William (Bill) Gaede is the global head of the intellectual property practice group, with experience litigating life science technologies including antibodies, proteins, small molecules, and diagnostics. Douglas Carsten co-heads the team, leading the life sciences practice group out of Orange County.

Douglas Carsten leads McDermott Will & Emery LLP’s life sciences industry group from Orange County. The ‘quality’ team exhibits ‘industry knowledge and innovative thinking‘ as it advises private equity and venture capital firms investing in life sciences on financings and deals, as well as digital health and technology companies seeking assistance regarding FDA and regulatory issues. Pollard primarily dispenses regulatory and corporate advice to medical device and biotech companies on matters concerning clinical research, post-market safety and compliance with FDA regulated products, and manufacturing. The ‘masterful‘ Carsten is a ‘tremendous litigator‘ who acts in lucrative patent and Hatch-Waxman cases. Working out of the Boston office, Sarah Chapin Columbia focuses on IP and patent litigation, while Michael Siekman assists with the development and defense of biotech patent portfolios and acquisitions. William Gaede supports the team from Silicon Valley with his experience in life science technology IP litigations concerning small molecules, proteins, and diagnostics. Counsel Anisa Mohanty, based in Washington DC, has extensive expertise in pre-market FDA strategy and post-market compliance, often advising medical product manufacturers and biotech companies. Vernessa Pollard departed the team to join DLA Piper LLP (US) in February 2024.