Regularly appearing before the USPTO, Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP is a powerhouse in patent prosecution, as well as licensing, post-grant proceedings, and patent enforcement. Its team has recognized technical expertise in life sciences, medical device IP law, biotechnology, and electrical engineering. Irvine-based co-leader Salima Merani builds patent portfolios for life sciences companies, and has extensive experience conducting patent due diligence. Also in Irvine, is co-leader Sabing Lee, who focuses on strategic patent work and IP counseling, emphasizing medical devices and materials science; Harnik Shukla, who is known for his deep technical expertise in sensors, signal processing, and AI/machine learning; Terry Tullis, an expert in property portfolio management; and Michael Christensen, who counsels startup medtech companies. In San Diego, Tom Cowan represents startups in building IP portfolios, and navigates diligence for financing and M&A transactions; Jason Jardine represents prominent California and Arizona businesses; and Maria Stout advises diverse clients from high-growth startups to global corporations with complex IP portfolios. Other notable contacts include Melanie Seelig in Seattle, Lincoln Essig is based in Washington DC, James Raleigh, in New York, and David Schmidt in Irvine.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘I work with Salima Merani and her team, and very happy with their responsiveness and knowledge. They make the work seamless.'
‘In addition to their partners, their associates are also exceptional.’
‘Salima Merani and her team do an outstanding job in prosecution of LifeScience and MedTech patents.’
‘Salima Merani is just great, outstanding integrity and legal excellence.’
‘Excellent bench strength - they've got someone at the firm with expertise in pretty much any technology out there.'
‘Personal touch combined with incredible legal expertise.'
Key clients
- Cala Health
- Contec Space Optics
- Kandu Health, Inc.
- Celebrity Cruises
- CathWorks
- Alpheus Medical
- Accelitas
Work highlights
Advised Cala Health and has helped the company obtain over 300 patents and trademarks around the world, including patents in the US, Europe, Canada, Australia, China, Japan.
Advised on Contec Space Optics’s portfolio into US and foreign assets for growth of the business outside the US. The IP portfolio has allowed the client to greatly expand its business related to imaging systems for ultra-small satellite constellations operating in very low earth orbit (VLEO).
Advises Accelitas for the protection of critical innovative assets of the company, including helping the client procure crucial assets directed to systems and methods that enable authentication based on a physical document.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Salima Merani; Sabing Lee
Other key lawyers
Harnik Shukla; Terry Tullis; Michael Christensen; Tom Cowan; Jason Jardine; Maria Stout; Melanie Seelig; Lincoln Essig; David Schmidt: James Raleigh; Jarom Kesler