One client suggests that McDermott Will & Emery LLP fields ��best trial team in the patent litigation space,’ and the practice is sought after by clients seeking both to protect their novel drugs and enforce them in the face of infringements. Beyond this, the firm is able to provide support across myriad matters, including stock and asset deals, M&As and partnerships in the industry. Jointly leading the team alongside her are Douglas Carsten, an Orange County-based specialist in life sciences patent disputes who helps clients protect pharmaceuticals, biologics and medical devices, and Silicon Valley’s William Gaede, a fellow patent litigator who specializes in antibodies, proteins and small molecules. Also in Silicon Valley, Bhanu Sadasivan litigates patent disputes concerning recombinant DNA technology. Vernessa Pollard and Anisa Mohanty departed the firm in February 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘In my opinion, the best trial team in the patent litigation space is fielded by MWE. Bill Gaede and Bhanu Sadasivan and their colleagues are a formidable team which understands complex technology and complex patent law. The combination of experience, diversity, and a genuine desire to win renders the MWE team a top choice when selecting counsel.’

  • ‘Bill Gaede is a true trial attorney who understands his case fully and registers immediate credibility with a judge and jury. Bhanu Sadasivan knows the law and the technology inside and out, and radiates a sincerity which makes her arguments resonate.’ 

  • 'It's all about the people. They seem genuinely invested in me as a person and the success of my company.'

  • 'The whole team, across the chain of command, is promptly and always available.'

Key clients

  • Amgen Inc.
  • QuidelOrtho Corporation
  • Natera Inc.
  • Heron Therapeutics
  • Turn Biotechnologies, Inc.
  • Aurinia Pharmaceuticals
  • Delpor, Inc.
  • Premier, Inc.
  • Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
  • United Therapeutics Corporation
  • Komipharm International Co., Ltd.
  • Next Caller Inc.
  • CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc.
  • InferVision Medical Technology
  • Charles River Laboratories, Inc.
  • Gastro Health
  • Cordis
  • Cogent Biosciences
  • Specifica Inc.
  • Citius Pharmaceuticals

Work highlights

  • Represented United Therapeutics in its patent infringement suit against Liquidia Technologies.
  • Served as IP counsel to QuidelOrtho Corporation, a NASDAQ-listed public company that manufactures and commercializes diagnostic testing solutions for infectious diseases.
  • Served as IP counsel for Heron Therapeutics, Inc. a NASDAQ-listed public company providing a technology solution for delivery of pharmaceuticals.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Douglas Carsten, William Gaede

Other key lawyers

Bhanu Sadasivan