James Mullen, III

Law School
University of California, Hastings College of Law

Major Cases
I work for a number of extremely interesting biotech clients, including Agensys Inc. in Santa Monica (oncology), Derma Sciences in Princeton, N.J., (wound care) and Ampliphi Biosciences (therapeutic bacteriophage), as well as several San Diego startups.

Professional Background
I am a partner in the San Diego office of Morrison & Foerster LLP, and a member of the Intellectual Property Practice Group, and office managing partner. I joined the firm in 2003. My practice is centered on getting my clients strong patent protection that will provide a competitive advantage in their markets. I do this by providing strategic patent procurement advice, general counseling on infringement issues and guidance on the intersection of intellectual property law and corporate practice, such as due diligence studies from both the buyer and seller positions. I also provide counseling on interference issues and re-examination proceedings.

Currently, I am privileged to represent clients pursuing inventions in a variety of biotechnology-related areas, including cancer therapeutics and diagnostics, infectious disease therapeutics, small molecule screening protocols, and novel nucleic acid and amino acid sequence protection.
Prior to coming to the law, I conducted original research in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and immunology, and I have an abiding interest in virology, especially as it relates to gene therapy and vaccine applications.

Professional Affiliations
Association of Women in Science, San Diego Intellectual Property Lawyers Association, American Intellectual Property Lawyers Association, American Constitution Society for Law and Policy.