International law firm McDermott Will & Emery welcomes Michael (Mike) Sitzman as a partner in its Intellectual Property (IP) Practice Group in San Francisco. Mike is a first-chair trial lawyer who represents biotechnology and brand-side pharmaceutical companies in high-stakes biologic and drug patent litigation.

“Mike’s practice is an incredible addition to our deep IP litigation capabilities in the life sciences space,” said William Gaede, head of McDermott’s global IP Practice Group. “We’re excited to bring Mike’s extensive experience and impressive track record to our practice group and the San Francisco office.”

For more than 25 years, Mike has litigated cases involving recombinant DNA, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T) technology, glycobiology, small molecule drugs, antisense technology, protein synthesis and regulation, and immunological markers. Notably, he was one of the chief architects of the strategy that culminated in the Supreme Court of the United States’ first substantive review of the Hatch-Waxman Act. His trial record includes major victories for Acorda, Allergan, and Taiho Pharmaceuticals, among others.

“McDermott has put together a world-class IP and life sciences team that works in lockstep in a way few firms are able to achieve,” Mike said. “I can’t wait to join this passionate group of lawyers that has the resources and experience to achieve the best outcomes for clients.”

Mike’s addition complements the ongoing strategic expansion of McDermott’s IP Group over the last four years through the lateral addition of several partners. These additions have expanded McDermott’s IP capabilities in life sciences/Hatch Waxman litigation, life science transactions, technology in Austin, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia, and cross-border work in the Unified Patent Court. Our group includes more than 100 lawyers, scientific advisors, and patent agents globally who counsel industry leaders on strategic patent and trademark portfolio development; transactions, licensing and monetization; and enforcement and litigation. Praised by clients for our ability to “handle any type of case or technology, no matter the complexity” (Chambers), McDermott’s IP team serves companies of all sizes spanning a variety of sectors, with a focus on life sciences and technology. We are recognized globally by Chambers, Legal 500, Best Law Firms, IAM Patent 1000, Managing IP, and World Trademark Review 1000.

McDermott’s global Life Sciences Group operates as a cross-border, interdisciplinary team, drawing upon lawyers from the top-ranked healthcare law practice to work at the juncture of health, technology and life sciences. Among the team’s recent notable work, after three years of hard-fought litigation over foundational cancer testing patents, McDermott secured back-to-back wins on behalf of Natera, a global leader in cell-free DNA testing. A Delaware jury awarded the company $19.35 million. The team has also represented an array of clients globally with respect to FDA regulatory due diligence in the context of a variety of cross-border transactions, including Life Science Outsourcing’s acquisition of J-Pac Medical.

McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers, and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,400 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.