Overview

An in-depth knowledge of patent practice and procedure, together with a detail- and goal-oriented approach, provide Susan with what’s needed for her to serve clients to the fullest. She has more than 20 years of experience in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications, portfolio management, and coordination of global patent strategy. She also provides opinions relating to patentability, freedom-to-operate, invalidity, and infringement. In sum, Susan helps clients develop successful patent strategies that align with their business goals and budgets.

Susan works with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies of all sizes, ranging from early-stage start-ups to large, global corporations, as well as world class medical centers and universities. Her work covers a broad range of technologies, including all aspects of molecular and cell biology, antibodies, proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, diagnostics, therapeutics, multiplex assays, gene editing, microbiome, T cell-based therapeutics, and genetically modified animals.

Susan has been at Clark+Elbing since 1997 and a partner since 2002. Prior to that, Susan was at Fish & Richardson, P.C. As a scientist, Susan studied molecular biology at Harvard University and is the first author of research articles relating to mechanisms of pre-mRNA splicing in Genes & Development.

Education

J.D., Suffolk University Law School

Ph.D., Cell and Developmental Biology, Harvard University

B.A., Biology, College of the Holy Cross

Bar Admissions

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Massachusetts

Experience
  • Procures patents for a wide range of clients, both U.S.-based and worldwide.
  • Manages a portfolio for a large pharmaceutical company covering a cancer therapeutic that is approved throughout the world.
  • Assisted a small biotech company in their acquisition by a large pharmaceutical company, which was based on patents covering an FDA-approved cancer therapy.
  • Managed the portfolio of a biotechnology company from inception to a patent-focused $500+ million dollar acquisition and beyond.

Honors:

  • Recipient of Albert J. Ryan Fellowship
  • Recipient of Lucille P. Markey Fellowship

Education

J.D., Suffolk University Law School

Ph.D., Cell and Developmental Biology, Harvard University

B.A., Biology, College of the Holy Cross

Bar Admissions

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Massachusetts