Foley & Lardner LLP: Michele M. Simkin

In the dynamic and highly competitive sectors of life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, robust intellectual property (IP) protection and astute business counseling are not merely beneficial—they are absolutely critical for success. For innovative companies and research institutions operating within or collaborating with the vibrant scientific and regulatory community of Washington D.C., Michele M. Simkin at Foley & Lardner LLP stands as an exceptional legal partner. Her practice is singularly focused on navigating the intricate landscape of intellectual property law for these cutting-edge industries, providing sophisticated and strategic guidance right here in the nation's capital.

Michele M. Simkin is a distinguished Partner in Foley & Lardner LLP's Chemical, Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Practice. She provides strategic business counseling to a diverse range of clients, including major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, mid-sized ventures, universities, and start-up firms. Her expertise encompasses all facets of intellectual property, from the crucial stages of patent procurement and portfolio management to complex licensing agreements and thorough due diligence for IP acquisitions or sales. Michele also advises on critical issues of patent validity, non-infringement, and freedom to operate analyses, ensuring her clients' innovations are protected and their market access is clear.

Her extensive background provides a unique perspective. Michele began her patent career in 1988 as a patent examiner in the biotechnology group of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, offering her an invaluable insider's view of the patent examination process. Before that, her undergraduate work in biochemistry and molecular biology provided a strong scientific foundation. This blend of scientific understanding, practical experience at the USPTO, and decades of legal practice has solidified her reputation as a leading authority in biotechnology and life sciences IP law. Having also served as chair of Foley & Lardner's Intellectual Property Department and currently a member of the firm's Management Committee, Michele M. Simkin brings a depth of leadership and strategic insight that is truly unparalleled for life sciences and IP-focused clients in Washington D.C.

Michele M. Simkin practices at Foley & Lardner LLP's Washington D.C. office, which is conveniently located at 3000 K St NW Washington Harbour, Washington, DC 20007, USA. This prestigious address places the firm in the heart of Georgetown's iconic Washington Harbour, an area renowned for its scenic waterfront, upscale businesses, and excellent accessibility within the city.

The office's location offers convenient access for clients from across the District and the greater metropolitan area. While not directly atop a Metro station, it is within a reasonable distance of the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro Station (servicing the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines), which is approximately a 15-20 minute walk or a quick bus/rideshare trip away. Numerous Metrobus routes also serve the Georgetown area, providing ample public transportation options for those commuting to the office.

For clients who prefer to drive, the Washington Harbour complex provides extensive underground parking facilities, offering convenient and secure options for visitors. The K Street NW corridor is a significant thoroughfare, making the office easily reachable by car from various parts of D.C. and the surrounding Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Located on the 6th floor within a modern and prominent building, the office ensures a professional, discreet, and comfortable environment for client meetings and consultations, reflecting the firm's commitment to high standards of service for its specialized clientele.

Michele M. Simkin's practice at Foley & Lardner LLP is dedicated to providing strategic intellectual property counseling and legal services to clients primarily within the life sciences, pharmaceutical, and medical device sectors. Her key service areas include:

• Patent Procurement and Portfolio Management: Guiding clients through the process of obtaining U.S. and international patents, as well as strategically managing their overall patent portfolios to maximize protection and value.
• Intellectual Property Licensing Agreements: Drafting and negotiating various licensing agreements related to intellectual property, ensuring that clients' innovations are appropriately leveraged and protected in collaborations.
• Due Diligence for IP Acquisitions and Sales: Conducting thorough intellectual property due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, sales, and other transactions, assessing the value, risks, and opportunities associated with IP assets.
• Patent Validity, Non-Infringement, and Freedom to Operate Analyses: Providing critical legal opinions and analyses on the validity of patents, whether a product or process infringes on existing patents, and whether a client is free to operate within a specific technology space without infringing on others' rights.
• Strategic Business Counseling: Offering broader strategic advice to life sciences and pharmaceutical clients on intellectual property matters that impact their business decisions, from product development to market entry.
• Representation for Diverse Life Sciences Clients: Representing a wide range of clients, including major pharmaceutical/biotechnology companies, mid-sized biotechnology firms, universities, and start-up ventures in both traditional pharmaceuticals and advanced biotechnology applications.

Michele M. Simkin's professional profile and practice at Foley & Lardner LLP are underscored by several significant features and highlights that distinguish her expertise:

• Deep Scientific and Technical Background: Michele holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and worked in a research laboratory, providing her with an invaluable scientific foundation that enables her to deeply understand complex biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovations.
• Former U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Examiner: Her career began as a patent examiner in the biotechnology group of the USPTO. This firsthand experience provides her with a unique insider's perspective on patent examination procedures, which is a tremendous asset for clients navigating the patenting process.
• Leadership within a Top IP Department: She previously served as chair of Foley & Lardner's Intellectual Property Department, overseeing a team of over 300 IP professionals. She is currently a member of the firm's Management Committee, demonstrating her leadership capabilities and strategic influence within one of the nation's leading IP practices.
• Highly Recognized by Peers and Industry: Michele has been consistently selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the field of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice (2008-2024). She is also recognized in IAM Patent 1000 – The World's Leading Patent Practitioners for patent prosecution (2020-2024) and by Leaders League Intelligence Report & Rankings as a Top Tiered Leading Practitioner for Patent Prosecution. These accolades reflect consistent high-level performance and peer respect.
• Significant Patent Prosecution Successes: Her representative experience includes successfully obtaining numerous U.S. and international patents for cutting-edge technologies, such as novel nanocell technology for cancer treatment and compounds for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's Disease.
• Comprehensive IP Counseling: She offers strategic business counseling covering all aspects of intellectual property, from initial procurement and portfolio management to licensing, due diligence for acquisitions, and critical analyses of validity and non-infringement.
• Strategic Washington D.C. Presence: Operating from Foley & Lardner's D.C. office, she is ideally positioned to assist clients who interact with federal agencies like the USPTO and FDA, or who are otherwise influenced by the regulatory environment of the capital.

As a Partner at a prominent international law firm like Foley & Lardner LLP, Michele M. Simkin does not offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the typical consumer sense. The firm's value proposition for its clients, who are primarily corporations, research institutions, and emerging companies in the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors, is built on providing unparalleled legal expertise and strategic counsel.

Instead of discounts, clients benefit from the significant intellectual capital and comprehensive resources that Foley & Lardner, and specifically Michele M. Simkin, bring to complex intellectual property challenges. This inherent "offer" includes:

• Access to Highly Specialized IP Expertise: Clients gain the advantage of Michele Simkin's deep and current knowledge in the niche areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical device IP, including the nuances of patent procurement and portfolio management.
• Strategic Guidance from an Industry Leader: With her background as a patent examiner and her leadership roles within the firm's IP department and management committee, Michele provides strategic insights that go beyond mere legal advice, helping clients navigate the competitive landscape.
• Leveraging a Global Network: Engaging with Foley & Lardner LLP means tapping into the resources of a vast international firm, providing seamless support for clients with national or global IP portfolios and multi-jurisdictional needs.
• Proactive IP Strategy Development: Michele assists clients in developing comprehensive IP strategies that align with their business goals, ensuring robust protection for their innovations and market advantages.

For businesses and institutions in Washington D.C. operating in the life sciences, pharmaceutical, or medical device industries, it is advisable to directly contact Michele M. Simkin or Foley & Lardner LLP to discuss their specific intellectual property needs. During a consultation, they can outline how their expertise and the firm's resources can be leveraged to address the client's particular challenges and achieve their strategic IP objectives. The firm’s commitment is to deliver high-value, sophisticated legal services tailored to the unique demands of their innovative clientele.

To connect with Michele M. Simkin and the Intellectual Property team at Foley & Lardner LLP's Washington D.C. office, please use the following contact details:

Address: 3000 K St NW Washington Harbour, Washington, DC 20007, USA

Phone: (202) 672-5538

Mobile Phone: +1 202-672-5538

Reaching out via phone is the most direct way to inquire about their services and to schedule a consultation regarding your intellectual property needs in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life sciences sectors.

For innovative companies, research institutions, and start-ups in the District of Columbia operating within the vibrant life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device sectors, Michele M. Simkin at Foley & Lardner LLP is an exceptionally suitable and highly valuable legal resource. Her specialized expertise and the firm's strategic advantages make her an ideal choice for local clients.

Firstly, the firm's location at 3000 K St NW in Georgetown's Washington Harbour provides convenient access for D.C.-based professionals. While a short ride from the nearest Metro, its presence in a prestigious and accessible area ensures ease of access for local corporate counsel, R&D teams, and executives. This central D.C. presence facilitates seamless collaboration on complex and often time-sensitive intellectual property matters, particularly given the proximity to key federal agencies like the USPTO.

Secondly, and most crucially, Michele Simkin's deep specialization in intellectual property law for the life sciences and related industries directly addresses the unique needs of Washington D.C.'s growing biotech and health innovation ecosystem. D.C. is a hub for federal research funding, regulatory oversight, and policy development affecting these sectors. For local entities navigating patent procurement, managing extensive IP portfolios, or engaging in complex licensing and due diligence for life sciences innovations, Michele's expertise – backed by her scientific background and prior experience at the USPTO – is precisely what is needed to navigate the highly regulated and technically intricate landscape.

Her long-standing recognition among peers and her leadership roles within Foley & Lardner's IP department further solidify her reputation as a top-tier advocate. For any entity in Washington D.C. committed to protecting and commercializing their cutting-edge innovations in the life sciences, Michele M. Simkin offers the specialized knowledge, strategic insight, and robust legal support necessary to thrive in this highly competitive field.