Wayne M. Barsky

Barsky, a partner in the Los Angeles office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, is the national co-chair of the firm's intellectual property practice group.

During his 22 years at the firm, he has focused on patent litigation in the life science, pharmaceutical and medical device industries, representing high-profile clients in federal courts and before the U.S. International Trade Commission.

He said his work in intellectual property law is interesting because it often deals with emerging technologies and scientific discoveries with global implications.

"These scientists are doing work that is hugely important and beneficial to the world and to public health," Barsky said. "It's enormously gratifying to work in the life sciences field in particular."

He recently learned the ins and outs of recombinant DNA technology in the treatment of multiple sclerosis as he defended Pfizer Inc. and Merck-Serono against patent infringement claims by Biogen Inc..

Biogen had sought damages of more than $5.4 billion. In re: Biogen '755 Patent Litigation, 10-02734 (D. of New Jersey, filed May 28, 2010).

After eight years of litigation and a five-week trial, a federal jury in February 2018 invalidated the patent and rejected Biogen's damages claim. It was considered one of the largest defense wins in patent litigation history.

The court later overturned the jury's verdict following post-trial motions. The case is on appeal.

Barsky credits his legal successes to the hard work of Gibson Dunn's sizable IP practice.

"I'm not a one-man band. I wouldn't want to convey that anything we've accomplished has been mine alone," he said. "Everything we've achieved in this firm in general, and my practice in particular, relies on an esprit de corps of talent."

-- Jennifer McEntee