Squire Sanders Expands Life Sciences Intellectual Property Practice

PALO ALTO, Calif. and SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Nationally known intellectual property (IP) litigator Gerald P. "Jerry" Dodson has joined global law firm Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P. Also joining the firm is patent lawyer Carol A. Schneider, Ph.D. The firm continues to add top-tier talent to meet the dramatically increased demands on its intellectual property life sciences practice.

"Adding Jerry and Carol to our client service team underscores our continuing focus on developing one of the premier biotechnology and life sciences IP practices in the country," said Nathan Lane III, co-leader of the firm's IP practice. "Life sciences in general – and biotechnology in particular – comprise one of the most important innovation frontiers and are vital aspects of the national focus on health care reform. We are particularly pleased to provide clients with the in-depth knowledge and exceptional experience that Jerry and Carol bring to the firm."

IP practice co-leader David S. Elkins said that Dodson's and Schneider's respective backgrounds and experience expand the firm's life sciences practice in biotechnology.

"Jerry is one of the most highly regarded patent trial lawyers in the United States. His track record of success – particularly in the biotech patent litigation arena – is rare and difficult to match. Carol, who has a doctorate in molecular and cellular biology, adds her genomics expertise to the firm's already strong life sciences IP portfolio," Elkins said.

The Squire Sanders global platform and highly collaborative environment are major attractions for Dodson. Joining the firm from Goodwin Procter LLP, Dodson has focused his practice on IP and patent litigation for more than 20 years. He cemented his reputation as a go-to patent trial lawyer over the nine years he spent leading the University of California, San Francisco's patent infringement case against Genentech, Inc., which settled for the then-astounding amount of US$200 million following a three-month jury trial.

Schneider said that the firm's reputation for high-quality health care patent work was a major influence on her decision to join. Intellectual Asset Management magazine ranks Squire Sanders in the top five law firms for health care patent quality. The firm also is ranked in the top 20 overall in patent quality for all technology areas considered including information technology, consumer electronics and industrials.

Schneider works with clients to develop and preserve their technology through patent protection. She has experience in technologies including genomics and bioinformatics, cloning and gene expression, stem cells, immunologics, small molecules, medical devices and drug delivery. She also has extensive patent litigation experience. Formerly a partner at Lyon & Lyon LLP, Schneider established and operated her own firm before joining Squire Sanders.

"As one of the preeminent IP life sciences firms in Northern California, we understand how that industry drives economic recovery in the Silicon Valley," said Nicholas Unkovic, managing partner of the firm's Northern California offices. "We are continuing to seek additional talent to ensure our clients receive the most creative and effective IP life sciences counsel available."

About Squire Sanders: Founded in 1890, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P. has lawyers in 32 offices and 15 countries around the world. With one of the strongest integrated global platforms and a longstanding one-firm philosophy, Squire Sanders provides seamless legal counsel worldwide.

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SOURCE Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.