With a focus on life sciences, software, electronics and technology, DLA Piper LLP (US)'s patent development and strategy team continues to excel. Co-leader Sean Cunningham, in the San Diego office, is a highly regarded patent trial lawyer. Co-leader Gina Durham, in San Francisco, is skilled in trademark, copyright, right of publicity, trade dress, false advertising, and AI. In Boston, co-leader Larissa Bifano is adept in patent and IP strategy, counseling, prosecution, diligence, and litigation before the USPTO and federal courts. The San Diego-based Lisa Haile is knowledgeable in molecular and cell biology, regenerative medicine, and related fields, advising on patentability, validity, licensing, FDA matters. In Virginia, James Heintz leads the team’s post-grant review practice, representing clients in district courts and the ITC. In Philadelphia, Raymond Miller advises on prosecution, manufacturing and trade secret protection, and Joseph Wolfe is also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team combines outstanding lawyers, but with diverse backgrounds, namely pharmacy for one, and organic chemistry for the other. So they get the full spectrum of issues from the molecule to clinical practice. They really get the strategy right before diving into the details and expensive legal work. ’
‘They have been extraordinarily responsive when there have been deadlines. Nicole Endejann and Ray Miller are the primary partners.’
Key clients
- Nanotronics Imaging
- Precision NeuroScience, LLC
- Enovate AI
- Vaxess Technologies Inc.
- Neurelis, Inc.
- CuraSen Therapeutics
- OrphAI Technologi es (Formerly AI Therapeutics)
- Delfi Diagnostics, Inc.
- Senti Bio
- GT Biopharma, Inc.
- Encodia, Inc.
- Dyson Group PLC
- Cloud Software Group/Citrix Systems
- Home Depot U.S.A., Inc.
- VeraDermics, Inc.
- Globin Solutions, Inc.
- Medicus Pharma
- Palvella Therapeutics, Inc.
- Organon (fka Dermavant)
- Altesa BioSciences Inc.
Work highlights
Designed and executed a global patent strategy for OrphAI Therapeutics, securing protection for breakthrough rare disease and oncology therapies advancing into clinical trials- critical IP groundwork for products targeting high-value orphan drug markets with significant unmet medical need.
Built Nanotronics’ global patent portfolio and trade secret policy, enhancing IP strength to support financing rounds and international growth.
Managed Neurelis’ neuroscience IP portfolio-securing patents for FDA-approved VALTOCO and extending LOE, defending against generic challenge at the PTAB (IPRs) and in litigation (D. Ct. DE), and articulating strategy in diligence resulting in restructured licensing/acquisition offers that added over USD$500 million to the contemplated transaction.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Sean Cunningham; Gina Durham; Larissa Bifano
Other key lawyers
Lisa Haile; James Heintz; Raymond Miller; Nicole Endejann; Joseph Wolfe