Deirdre Elise Sanders

Deirdre has dedicated her legal career to guiding biotechnology companies and university biotechnology centers through the development, management, and protection of intellectual property rights. The success of her patent practice is fueled by the balance of her patent prosecution specialty and her intellectual property litigation and enforcement experience.

Deirdre’s practice is focused in the field of biotechnology with a particular emphasis in the areas of biologics including antibody-based therapeutics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, genetic diagnostics, protein-based sensors, and drug discovery and development. She assists clients with the preparation and prosecution of U.S. and foreign patent and trademark applications, as well as European Supplementary Protection Certificates for pharmaceuticals; drafts legal opinions regarding infringement, validity, and freedom to operate; conducts intellectual property due diligence studies; and drafts intellectual property license agreements.

Clients benefit from Deirdre’s experience involving contested matters, including patent office interferences, foreign patent oppositions, arbitration proceedings, and intellectual property litigation before federal courts in Texas, New York and California, as well as the District Court of the Hague related to issues of patent infringement and validity, trademark infringement and cancellation, intellectual property license agreements, and officer tort liability.

Deirdre demonstrates expertise at the intersection of science, law, and business. She is a member of the Executive Board of Directors for the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Venture Forum, co-chairs the Boston Patent Law Association’s International and Foreign Practice Committee, served as a judge for the Smaller Business Association of New England Annual Business Innovators competition.