Education
Law School: University of California, Berkeley School of Law
Other Graduate School: University of California, Davis, Ph.D., chemistry
College: Andrews University, B.S. 1995; M.S. 1996
Major Cases
Ryan Melnick has developed patent portfolios and assisted with related due diligence and agreement work that has helped several clients achieve significant business goals. Notable client successes include the acquisition by Axcan Holdings of Mpex Pharmaceuticals in a deal valued at $230 million, the acquisition by The Medicines Company of Rempex Pharmaceuticals in a deal valued at $475 million, and a $30 million litigation win by KFx Medical. Melnick also handled the intellectual property aspects of the negotiations and ultimate $175 million cash deal with Hoffman-La Roche on behalf of InterMune for the HCV drug danoprevir.
Professional Background
Melnick’s practice focuses on obtaining patent protection and providing counsel to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies. His expertise includes: counseling on patent strategy, worldwide patent procurement, searching and analysis of third-party patent positions, intellectual property opinions, due diligence, and licensing. His experience spans all phases of the business life cycle, including multiple successes in helping companies obtain venture funding, enter into partnering deals, negotiate licenses, or achieve favorable exits (including mergers and acquisitions, asset divestiture, and public offerings).
Melnick currently represents clients pursuing small-molecule or biological therapeutics, orthopedic devices, therapeutic ultrasound devices, electrochemical devices, NMR/MRI techniques and devices, and technologies in other areas of chemistry and physics.
During law school, Melnick served as a judicial extern to the Hon. Charles R. Breyer, District Court Judge, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
Professional Affiliations
Melnick is a member of the American Chemical Society, American Bar Association, American Intellectual Property Law Association, and the San Diego Intellectual Property Law association.
Personal Background
Melnick was born and raised in Maryland. While in undergraduate school, he conducted research in astronomy. During his doctoral studies, he researched electrochemical catalysis, with an emphasis on reactions having applications in fuel cells. He lives with his wife and three children in Sorrento Valley.