Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP

Chemical Sciences

IP Experience across the Chemical Sciences

The chemical sciences have been a focus of our practice since the firm's founding in the early 1950s. Today, the chemical sciences are often multidisciplinary in scope, expanding the technological breadth of this once traditional discipline. We have moved with the science, becoming a leader in biochemistry and nanotech patent prosecution, and using our technical depth to stay on the forefront of all chemical-related technologies, including pharmaceuticals, green/clean technology, and materials science, for example. If a client's business includes the chemical arts, from novel molecules to the multidisciplinary applications of chemistry, our team can be a valuable partner for intellectual property advice.

We understand the technology because our experiences cover the depth and breadth of the chemical sciences. Our team includes chemists, chemical engineers, biochemists, and materials scientists. Many of us hold advanced degrees and/or have substantial practical experience, including experience as patent examiners, university professors, and industrial chemical engineers or chemists. We also draw from the breadth of other experienced professionals at Marshall, Gerstein & Borun to comprehensively and efficiently address any IP issue which may be encountered in the chemical sciences.

We are trusted by large multinational companies, specialized research firms, leading universities and hospitals, and others to develop prosecution strategies, manage IP portfolios, personally interview USPTO examiners, handle appeals within the USPTO and the courts, and work with foreign counterparts to protect international IP rights. Our clients also rely on our experience in preparing opinions on the state of a technology and/or the enforceability of issued patents; contesting patents through interference, re-examination, or opposition proceedings; and protecting our clients' interests in the courts. We are adept at working with inventors, business professionals, and patent offices to explain and secure the strongest available IP rights.

Case Study

Many UV light absorbers like active sunscreen agents are photodegradable and have a short life when exposed to sunlight. Playing a large role in this unique chemical process, Marshall, Gerstein & Borun drafted and filed numerous applications for our client to gain a number of patents on photostabilizers for photodegradable UV absorbers. Surpassing its competitors as a result of the patents, our client now manufactures these photostabilizers and exclusively markets them to some of the biggest sunscreen and cosmetics manufacturers in the world. These photostabilizers also are used in industrial products such as polymeric coatings. Although the general chemical structure was known, the patented photostabilizers were never specifically disclosed for photostabilizing UV light absorbers. Marshall, Gerstein & Borun's fine-tuned result effectively convinced the USPTO of patentability based on unexpected photostabilization results.

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