Ropes & Gray LLP is noted for its ability to advise on IP transactions and licensing, structure the IP and technology aspects of major strategic and private equity-backed M&A, and handle strategic patent and trademark portfolio management. The team further stands out for its strength in handling the sale and financing of royalty interests and IP litigation. The intellectual property transactions practice is led by Melissa Rones in Boston and Megan Baca in Silicon Valley. Frequently advising various life science companies, David McIntosh and Marc Rubenstein are key names in Boston. Also based in Boston and advising clients across the life sciences and biotech sectors are Abigail Gregor, Hannah England, Amanda Austin, and Regina Sam Penti. New York’s Jordan Altman joined the team from Shearman & Sterling LLP in April 2023. In July 2023, Violetta Kokolus  left the team.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

  • Pfizer
  • Takeda Pharmaceuticals
  • TPG Capital
  • Novo Nordisk
  • HUTCHMED (China) Limited
  • HUTCHMED Limited
  • BPEA Private Equity Fund
  • TRexBio
  • Radius Pharmaceuticals
  • Vince Holding Corp.
  • UniQure
  • Kohlberg & Company
  • HP Inc

Work highlights

  • Advised Pfizer on a partnership with Flagship Pioneering to develop 10 single-asset programs by leveraging Flagship’s ecosystem of more than 40 human health companies and multiple biotechnology platforms for up to $7bn.
  • Advised Novo Nordisk on a collaboration and license agreement with Valo Health for up to $2.7bn to discover and develop novel treatments for cardiometabolic diseases.
  • Advised HUTCHMED (China) Limited on a worldwide license agreement with Takeda Pharmaceutical for the development, commercialization, and manufacturing of HUTCHMED's colorectal cancer treatment outside of mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau for up to $1.13bn.

Lawyers

Leading lawyers
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Melissa Rones, Megan Baca

Other key lawyers

David McIntosh, Marc Rubenstein, Jordan Altman, Abigail Gregor, Hannah H. England (Freeman), Amanda Austin, Regina Sam Penti, Raj Banerjee