Recognized as an expert in patent prosecution and counseling practice, Morrison Foerster fields a team that is well vested in the strategic planning of patent portfolios, complex licensing issues, patent clearance and adversarial matters to provide expertise for a global network of clients in the life sciences, tech, and emerging companies industry. The team is jointly led from San Francisco by Michael Ward, a specialist at the intersection of traditional life sciences and technologies, and Aaron Rubin, advisor on complex transactions, including the structuring and negotiating of licensing, development and distribution deals. William Schwartz is adept in the representation of companies in business transactions and counselling involving matters relating to computers, communications equipment and other electronic devices. Tessa Schwartz, is well-versed in advising on a range of strategic transactions including patent licenses, technology procurement agreements, complex development, joint-venture and distribution deals. Justin Haan brings expertise to industry titans to help them navigate IP and technology needs. Boston’s Matthew Karlyn utilises his experience in working with a global client base to advise on a range of tech transaction matters including outsourcing and licensing. In Palo Alto, Stephanie Sharron , and Daphne Higgs are notable for assisting with tech and life sciences transactions. San Diego-based lawyer Matthew Ferry works with mission-driven companies to provide assistance with strategic transactions. Unless otherwise stated, all named lawyers are based in San Francisco.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We use Justin Haan extensively for our deal work for a long-term, strategic, and highly complex partnership. They are tremendous deal lawyers, substantively very strong, great negotiators, and always willing to go above and beyond to meet our internal clients' deadlines.'
'When we have questions that go beyond their core competency, they tap MoFo's platform to reach out to experts in the area and the people they pull in to advise on those matters are always top notch and impressive.'
'MoFo brings a deep understanding of our business's goals and needs, and of the industry overall, which includes both the tech industry and, in our case, an entirely different industry that Justin and team have gotten to know very well in order to better support us.’
‘Justin Haan is fantastic, and has been supporting this partnership from the beginning. At this point, he has been doing this work longer than any of the in-house lawyers supporting it and brings all of the historical context from the past four years, which is very helpful. He brings a deep understanding of the industry, including not just the tech industry. I can't speak more highly of Justin - he's basically a part of our team.'
Key clients
- Aegis Ventures LLC
- SoftBank
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Limited
- OpenAI
- Rakuten Medical
- Terviva
- 98point6
- Dematic Corp.
- Book.io
- EdiGene, Inc.
Work highlights
Advising SoftBank on data and brand licensing agreements on the establishment of a new joint venture with Tempus AI, a leader in AI and precision medicine.
Serving as key IP and licensing counsel to Terviva, an agricultural innovator helping growers convert distressed agricultural land into productive acreage.
Advised CSPC Megalith Biopharmaceutical in connection with various license and collaboration agreements.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
William Schwartz
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Justin Haan
Practice head
Michael Ward; Aaron Rubin
Other key lawyers
Tessa Schwartz; Justin Haan; Matthew Karlyn; Stephanie Sharron; Daphne Higgs; Matthew Ferry