What do you want to do?
We handle the law so you can concentrate on business.
We have the experience you need to help you succeed. Through our multi-disciplinary approach, we serve companies at every stage in their life cycles. We deal with your legal questions in the context of your total business goals.
Our credentials
We have a seasoned understanding of the challenges faced by Life Sciences companies, investors in these companies and technology transfer offices. We have worked closely with clients in agro-biotechnology, chemical, bio-fuels, biotechnology, diagnostics, environmental remediation and carbon sequestration, medical devices, molecular biology, pharmaceuticals and research tool development arenas. Our clients include start-up companies and large corporations, trade organizations, researchers, technology transfer offices, technology incubators, universities, and venture capital funds. To effectively serve the industry, we bring together lawyers with a variety of experience, including technology and intellectual property, corporate, FDA and USPTO administrative law, litigation, banking and finance, construction, labor, health and so on.
Four of our lawyers are members of the patent bar and have degrees in chemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, mechanical engineering and math. The lawyers in our group are active in scientific, legal and technology associations. Some have developed corporate or litigation practices focused on technology clients. As part of our involvement in the Life Sciences, our lawyers serve on boards of incubators, technology councils, trade associations, and civic and business promotion organizations. Our attorneys have been recognized in national and international publications, including the Chambers USA guides, The Legal 500, and Best Lawyers in America.
Administrative Law
Our attorneys have years of experience in representation at the USPTO, IRS, insurance boards, construction permits, obtaining green standard certifications, EPA, EEO and other agencies.
Intellectual Property
Our technology and intellectual property attorneys work closely with Life Sciences clients to help them identify, protect, expand, license and leverage their assets. Our proven experience and capabilities include, among others:
Our IP attorneys have prosecuted hundreds of patents in a number of arts, including biology, chemistry, and medical devices. They have over 170 patents under current active prosecution in national and international jurisdictions, including prosecution under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, at the European Patent Office and in countries around the world.
Food and Drug
We have experience with medical devices, pharmaceuticals (including innovator, generic and biologics), foods and dietary supplements, regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Our team includes patent practitioners and products liability attorneys. From the bench to the bedside, Whiteford attorneys can assist you navigate through the complex world of food and drug law.
We have the experience to assist your company with regulatory challenges including:
Business & Corporate
Our business and corporate services range from the selection and formation of an appropriate business entity tailored to your individual situation and needs, through the services required at the end of a business's life, including succession planning, business sales and mergers, or liquidation and dissolution. We advise our clients on all aspects of financing, securities offerings, stockholder and employment agreements, stock incentive programs, tax planning and many other legal issues as they arise.
International Capabilities
In addition to prosecuting both national and international patents, our biotechnology attorneys have also conducted global product clearance studies, participated in Life Sciences litigation before tribunals in foreign countries, and overseen work conducted by foreign law firms. Attorneys in our International practice offer strategic business services, dispute resolution, regulatory guidance, and development assistance.
Litigation
Our Litigation lawyers practice before a wide range of tribunals, including all state and federal trial and appellate courts in the region as well as a wide variety of administrative agencies, and alternative dispute resolution forums. They are well experienced in handling cases involving technology and intellectual property, product liability, business, commercial, government contracts, bankruptcy, and labor and employment, among other matters.
Real Estate and Construction
Every business needs a base. Whether you rent or own, our Real Estate attorneys are ready to help you get the space you need. Our Construction attorneys have been involved in the creation of specialized spaces, including hospitals and laboratories. The LEED certified lawyers in our Green Building group can help you save energy and costs for years to come.
The Maryland General Assembly has approved funding of the Biotechnology Tax Credit for FY 2010 at $6 million, the same amount allocated last year. While the Budget Bill has yet to be signed by Governor Martin T. O’Malley, it does not appear that he will reject the allocation. The General Assembly also passed HB493/SB880 extending the credit to individuals who invest in Maryland biotechnology companies.
Patent marking refers to the practice of labeling an article sold in commerce with words implying that a patent or a patent application covers those goods. False marking covers situations where the articles are marked as "patented" or "patent pending" and this is not true. 35 U.S.C. ยง292. Recent court decisions discussed below have reinterpreted the false marking statute.
