The Role of the Patent Prosecution Paralegal

Obtaining strong patents is key to both protecting and sparking innovation at small and large companies, universities, and research institutes.  Mary An Merchant and Wendy Choi, both seasoned patent attorneys and partners at Ballard Spahr LLP, will provide an overview of the patent process in the U.S. and abroad, and the important role that patent prosecution paralegals play in that process.  They will discuss some patent prosecution “hot spots” where paralegal skills and input are critical.

Presenters:

Wendy A. Choi, (http://www.ballardspahr.com/people/attorneys/choi-wendy.aspx), from Ballard Spahr LLP: Wendy A. Choi is a member of the biotechnology, chemical, pharmaceutical, and medical technology practice teams in the firm's Patents Group. Ms. Choi focuses on complex patent prosecution and counseling and on IP strategy. Ms. Choi advises clients on potential patent infringement issues and prepares invalidity and non-infringement opinions. Ms. Choi also represents companies in licensing negotiations, patent reissue, reexamination, and interference proceedings, and analyzes patents in litigation.

Mary Anthony Merchant, PhD, http://www.ballardspahr.com/people/attorneys/merchant_mary.aspx), from Ballard Spahr LLP: Mary An Merchant is leader of the biotechnology team in the Patents Group and a member of the group's chemical, pharmaceutical, and medical device technology teams. Dr. Merchant's graduate and post-graduate research involved both mammalian and plant molecular biology, protein biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, and infectious disease. She focuses her practice on intellectual property law, including trademark registration and patent procurement, with an emphasis on the life sciences, including products and invention in the fields of biotechnology, veterinary and human biologics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, cosmetics, consumer products, nutraceuticals, and medical devices. 

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