We help build biotechnology and pharmaceutical patent portfolios through strategic patent preparation and prosecution. We have significant experience and expertise in providing patent prosecution services to a wide range of biotech and pharmaceutical companies, from innovative start-ups to some of the largest companies in the world.
Our patent group works closely with our clients to develop patent estates for protecting innovations worldwide. We also help clients analyze patents, guide them in navigating patent landscapes, and assist in patent licensing. We also perform IP due diligence for clients' business investments. According to IAM research, one client noted "Steptoe are professional and trustworthy, and they are top of my list when considering where to send my most important patent prosecution work."
We have assisted pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with securing patent protection in a variety of technical areas, including:
- Biologics
- Small molecule drugs
- RNA therapeutics
- Vaccines
- Lipid nanoparticles
- Gene editing
- Epigenetic regulation
- Gene therapy
- Immune cell therapy
- Regenerative cell therapy
Noteworthy
- Asian Legal Business, China Law Awards, Shortlisted, Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year – International (2020-2024)
- Asian Legal Business, China IP Rankings, Patents, Tier 1 International Firm (2021, 2022)
- Chambers USA, Intellectual Property, Illinois (2025)
- Chambers USA, Intellectual Property: Patent, New York (2022-2025)
- China Business Law Journal, China Business Law Award: IP (Patent) (2018-2024)
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China Law & Practice, International Firm of the Year: Intellectual Property Award (2024, 2020); Shortlisted (2021-2022)
- IAM 1000, United States: New York, Patent Prosecution, Recommended (2019-2024)
Representative Matters
- We assist Sanofi, including its subsidiaries Genzyme and Sanofi Pasteur, with preparation and worldwide prosecution of patent applications, including on clinical-stage products. We work with a network of foreign agents in international prosecution, with us coordinating prosecution strategies. We provide patent landscape analysis; noninfringement and invalidity analysis; and patent portfolio management and strategic advice. We also assist the client in IP due diligence.
- We assist Laboratoires Servier, including its Danish subsidiary Symphogen A/S, with preparation and worldwide prosecution of patent applications. We provide patent portfolio management and strategic advice.
- We assist Lyell Immunopharma with preparation and worldwide prosecution of patent applications. We provide patent landscape analysis, as well as patent portfolio management and strategic advice. We also assist the client in IP due diligence.
- We assist Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in IP due diligence in connection with its transactions. We also provide patent invalidity analysis.
- We assist Gilead Science in IP due diligence in connection with its transactions. We also provide patent landscape analysis.
- We also work with a number of startup companies and help them develop and manage their patent assets. One example is VelosBio, which was acquired by Merck for $2.8 billion.
News & Publications
Media Mentions
May 13, 2025
Press Releases
Steptoe Secures Significant Damages Award on Behalf of Judge Michael Fitzpatrick from MSPB
May 5, 2025
Press Releases
Steptoe Receives China Law & Practice Firm of the Year Award – Intellectual Property
February 14, 2025
Press Releases
July 20, 2023