Natalie M. Derzko

In the rapidly evolving fields of life sciences and technology, protecting intellectual property is paramount for innovation and business success. For companies and innovators in Washington D.C., navigating the intricate landscape of patents, regulatory compliance, and strategic IP counseling demands an attorney with deep specialized knowledge. **Natalie M. Derzko**, Of Counsel at the prestigious global law firm **Covington & Burling LLP**, brings extensive expertise in intellectual property law, particularly within the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and food technology sectors. While the provided reviews simply state "F", it's important to understand that such brief feedback may not capture the full scope of a highly specialized attorney's capabilities within a large, esteemed firm. Covington & Burling LLP is a globally recognized firm, and Natalie M. Derzko's professional profile outlines a distinguished career focusing on complex patent and regulatory matters. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Natalie M. Derzko's practice at Covington & Burling LLP, detailing their accessible location, the specialized IP services offered, key highlights of her professional background, and why she is a significant asset for local clients in the District of Columbia.

Natalie M. Derzko practices as Of Counsel at Covington & Burling LLP, whose Washington D.C. office is prominently located in the modern **One CityCenter, 850 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA**. This strategic address places the firm in the vibrant heart of downtown D.C., a prime area renowned for its accessibility and proximity to key business and governmental institutions.

The One CityCenter development is a prominent landmark, ensuring that the firm's office is easily identifiable and convenient to reach for clients across the District and the wider metropolitan area. For those utilizing Washington D.C.'s extensive public transportation system, the location offers exceptional connectivity. It is within a very short walking distance of multiple Metro stations, including Metro Center (Red, Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines) just a 4-minute walk away, and Gallery Place-Chinatown (Green/Yellow Line) about a 7-minute walk. McPherson Square (Blue/Orange/Silver Line) is also within easy reach. These key Metro hubs provide direct connections from virtually every part of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, making travel to the firm straightforward and efficient. Numerous bus lines, including the Circulator Bus, also stop in front of CityCenterDC, offering additional convenient transit options.

For individuals who prefer to drive, One CityCenter features a large, convenient underground parking garage with over 500 visitor parking spaces. The most direct entrance for visitors is located on 9th Street between H Street and New York Avenue, with clear signage for "Office Visitors." This ensures hassle-free parking in a busy downtown environment. The central location also means clients have access to a wealth of amenities within CityCenterDC and the surrounding area, including a variety of high-quality dining options and retail establishments, making a visit to Covington & Burling LLP both efficient and comfortable.

Natalie M. Derzko, as Of Counsel at Covington & Burling LLP, focuses her practice on a highly specialized and critical segment of intellectual property law, with a particular emphasis on the life sciences sector. Her services are designed to assist clients with complex patent matters, strategic counseling, and navigating intricate regulatory landscapes. Key services offered by Natalie M. Derzko and the broader IP practice at Covington & Burling LLP include:

• Intellectual Property Strategic Counseling: Providing comprehensive advice on developing and managing intellectual property portfolios, aligning IP strategy with broader business objectives, and conducting due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and financings, particularly in emerging biotechnology companies.

• Patent Prosecution: Expertly preparing, filing, and prosecuting utility and design patents before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Her focus spans a wide range of technology areas, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, nutritional supplements, food and environmental technology, and industrial and consumer chemicals.

• Patent Litigation: Representing clients in patent disputes across various forums, including federal district courts. This involves pre-litigation assessments and strategic advice for complex patent litigation matters, including those in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology areas.

• Hatch-Waxman Act Issues: Providing deep expertise and counsel on regulatory issues arising under the Hatch-Waxman legislation, including Orange Book patent listing matters, patent term extension (restoration) applications, and the development of scientific case strategies for Hatch-Waxman patent litigation. She has also served as an expert witness in Hatch-Waxman cases.

• Bayh-Dole Act Compliance: Advising varied life sciences companies regarding compliance with the Bayh-Dole Act, particularly concerning subject inventions and domestic manufacturing issues, and guiding negotiations for CRADA (Cooperative Research and Development Agreement) relationships with the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

• Intellectual Property Policy and Law Reform: Engaging in patent policy analysis, advice, and advocacy on various international and domestic patent issues, including those related to follow-on biologics.

• Transactional and Due Diligence Patent Advice: Playing a leading role in providing patent advice for significant corporate transactions, such as acquisitions of product lines or animal health assets, ensuring IP considerations are fully addressed.

Her extensive educational background, including a J.S.D. from Columbia focusing on Hatch-Waxman issues, and her experience teaching "Legal Aspects of Biotechnology" at Johns Hopkins University, underscore her profound knowledge and ability to handle the most intricate IP and regulatory challenges in the life sciences.

Natalie M. Derzko's practice at Covington & Burling LLP is marked by several significant features and highlights, showcasing her deep expertise and value to clients, particularly within the life sciences and intellectual property sectors:

• Highly Specialized IP Counsel: Natalie Derzko is a recognized expert in intellectual property, with a sharp focus on pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, nutritional supplements, food and environmental technology, and industrial and consumer chemicals. This specialization ensures clients receive highly precise and industry-specific legal advice.

• Deep Regulatory Expertise (Hatch-Waxman & Bayh-Dole): A major highlight is her extensive knowledge and experience with complex regulatory frameworks like the Hatch-Waxman Act (critical for generic drug approvals and patent challenges) and the Bayh-Dole Act (pertaining to federally funded inventions). Her J.S.D. thesis on Hatch-Waxman issues and experience as an expert witness in such cases underline this unique strength.

• Dual Scientific and Legal Background: Holding an M.S. in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University, a J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School, an LL.M. from Harvard Law School, and a J.S.D. from Columbia Law School, Natalie possesses a rare combination of advanced scientific knowledge and top-tier legal education. This allows her to understand and articulate highly technical subject matter with legal precision.

• Comprehensive Patent Practice: Her practice spans the full lifecycle of patents, from strategic prosecution (securing patents) and counseling on patent matters to engaging in complex patent litigation and advising on intellectual property policy and law reform. This holistic approach benefits clients seeking end-to-end IP solutions.

• Experience with High-Stakes Transactions: Natalie plays a leading role in providing transactional and due diligence patent advice for significant corporate acquisitions, demonstrating her ability to integrate IP strategy into major business deals.

• Academic and Thought Leadership: Beyond her practice, she has written and spoken extensively on patent matters and previously taught "Legal Aspects of Biotechnology" at Johns Hopkins University, indicating her status as a thought leader and educator in her field.

• Global Firm Resources: As part of Covington & Burling LLP, a renowned international law firm, Natalie M. Derzko has access to vast global resources, a diverse team of legal professionals, and cutting-edge legal technology. This enables her to serve clients with complex, cross-border IP needs effectively.

• Commitment to Pro Bono: Her involvement in pro bono work, such as volunteering at the DC Bar's Landlord Tenant Resource Center and advising an educational foundation on intellectual property issues, showcases a commitment to community service alongside her specialized practice.

These highlights collectively illustrate Natalie M. Derzko's robust capabilities and distinguished career, making her a formidable legal resource for complex intellectual property and life sciences matters.

As a highly specialized attorney practicing at a top-tier global law firm like Covington & Burling LLP, Natalie M. Derzko's services, like those of the firm as a whole, are based on profound expertise and a high level of customized legal strategy, rather than consumer-style "promotions" or "special offers." Law firms of this caliber focus on delivering unparalleled value through their deep knowledge, extensive resources, and successful track record in complex legal matters. Their fee structures reflect the intricate nature of the intellectual property and life sciences cases they handle, typically involving hourly rates or project-based fees for corporate and high-stakes advisory work.

While specific promotional incentives are not advertised, prospective clients interested in retaining the services of Natalie M. Derzko or the intellectual property team at Covington & Burling LLP would typically engage in an initial consultation. The terms of such consultations (e.g., whether they are complimentary for an initial assessment or involve a consultation fee) are best confirmed by contacting the firm directly. This initial discussion is a crucial opportunity for potential clients to:

• Present the details of their specific intellectual property or life sciences challenge.

• Receive a preliminary assessment of their legal position and potential pathways forward.

• Understand the scope of legal services that may be required.

• Discuss the firm's approach to fee arrangements for comprehensive representation.

For inquiries regarding their specialized services, to discuss your intellectual property needs, or to schedule an initial consultation, it is always recommended to reach out directly using the provided contact information. This direct communication is the most reliable way to obtain current and accurate information about engaging their distinguished legal services.

For businesses, innovators, and individuals in Washington D.C. seeking high-level legal counsel in intellectual property, particularly within the life sciences and technology sectors, connecting with Natalie M. Derzko at Covington & Burling LLP is straightforward. You can reach their D.C. office through the following contact details:

• Address: One CityCenter, 850 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

• Phone: (202) 662-6000

• Mobile Phone: +1 202-662-6000

The firm's office is centrally located in the heart of downtown D.C.'s One CityCenter development, offering exceptional accessibility via multiple Metro lines and with convenient parking options nearby. When making contact, it is advisable to be prepared with a brief summary of your intellectual property or life sciences legal matter. This will assist their highly specialized team in efficiently directing your inquiry and ensuring you connect with the most appropriate legal professional to discuss your needs. The provision of both a general office phone number and a mobile number suggests their commitment to being readily available for client communications and inquiries.

For businesses and innovators across the District of Columbia, Natalie M. Derzko, as Of Counsel at Covington & Burling LLP, represents an unparalleled resource for navigating the complexities of intellectual property and life sciences law. Her strategic location within One CityCenter at 850 10th St NW ensures exceptional accessibility for D.C. locals. Situated in a prime downtown area and easily reachable via multiple Metro lines and convenient parking, the firm's office minimizes logistical hurdles for clients seeking crucial legal advice.

What truly makes Natalie M. Derzko and Covington & Burling LLP an ideal choice for the D.C. community is their profound and highly specialized expertise. In a city that is a hub for biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and cutting-edge innovation, the need for sophisticated counsel on patent prosecution, Hatch-Waxman issues, Bayh-Dole compliance, and complex IP litigation is paramount. Natalie's unique background, combining advanced scientific education with top-tier legal degrees, positions her to understand the highly technical nuances of these fields, offering a level of insight that few other attorneys can provide.

Her demonstrated experience in advising major pharmaceutical companies, handling significant corporate IP due diligence, and contributing to IP policy reform signifies that D.C. clients will benefit from an attorney who is not only a legal expert but also a strategic partner deeply integrated into the industry's evolving landscape. Despite the brief nature of the provided reviews, the comprehensive professional profile of Natalie M. Derzko within a globally recognized firm like Covington & Burling underscores her capabilities. For locals in D.C. whose innovations and businesses depend on robust intellectual property protection and astute regulatory guidance in the life sciences, Natalie M. Derzko offers the precise, high-caliber legal support necessary to thrive.