Joe Liebeschuetz

When the new patent reform laws are fully launched next year, they are likely to generate a certain amount of confusion.

So says Liebeschuetz, who is well versed on the intricacies of patent procedures around the globe.

"What is being introduced is a hybrid between the system in the United States and most of the world," he said. "When the new laws are fully in effect, there may be more, rather than, fewer complications. It's not going to be straight forward for people in other countries wanting work done in the United States. The procedures are still going to be quite different."

Consequently, Liebeschuetz said, this should generate plenty of work for IP portfolio managers and prosecutors like him.

Among his current clients are Janssen Alzheimer's Immunotherapy, a Johnson & Johnson company. Last year, at least three patents that Liebeschuetz prosecuted for the company were issued, and it prevailed in several European oppositions brought by its competitors.

He has handled the intellectual property for Solazyme, a biotechnology company and a pioneer in harnessing the oil-producing ability of microalgae.

Liebeschuetz, who holds a Ph.D. in genetics from Liverpool University, has worked with many companies from their earliest stages.

Among them is NoNO Inc., a Canadian biotech, which he's represented since 2006 when it was a fledging operation.

"Over the years, we have built up quite a significant portfolio - over 50 applications and 10 issued patents," he said. "They're looking to partner with larger pharmaceutical companies."

- PAT BRODERICK

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