tsaunders@RHOiplaw.com

THOMAS M. SAUNDERS specializes in representing emerging medical technology, biotechnology/genetic engineering and pharmaceutical concerns, addressing patent prosecution, patent strategy and Intellectual Property licensing matters, and ANDA Paragraph IV opinions. He is also experienced in university technology transfer matters including developing university policies, negotiating on behalf of universities, and negotiating on behalf of acquiring companies. Trademark and copyright matters are also important areas of practice. This includes cybersquatting domain name disputes. He is particularly active in jewelry design disputes.

For over 20 years Mr. Saunders has worked with early-stage entrepreneurs in the biomedical field. He has advised and coordinated efforts including intellectual property strategy development, patent portfolio preparation and management, and implementation of confidentiality and employment agreements addressing intellectual property rights. His patent practice includes assessment of patent landscapes, free-to-market opinions, and strategic partnering evaluation. Mr. Saunders has a substantial background in biotechnology and chemical patent practice, facilitated by his graduate studies in physiology at Case Western Reserve University and Albany Medical College.

His recent engagements include “Biosimilars” 34th Annual Health Care Conference, Deutsche Bank Securities, Boston MA, May, 18-19, 2009; “Master Service Agreements: Negotiation, Payment Terms, Acceptance Criteria, Indemnification,” Pharma ChemOutsourcing, Long Branch, NJ, September 14-16, 2009.

His publications include "Latin American Patent Activity in the United States,” Beyond the First World (May 2010), "Defending Knock-Offs: Head-to-Head With Brand Names in Trademark, Copyright, and Internet Marketing,” Intellectual Property Today (February 2007), “India And China: New Frontiers In Pharma,” CHEManager Europe (October 2006), “Secrets of Successful Patent (non) Litigation,” Journal of Generic Medicines, 1(2):146-154 (January 2004); “Patents as a Cash Crop: Sowing, Growing, Reaping & Litigating,” Current Studies of Biotechnology, Vol. III, 381-385 (Croatian Society of Biotechnology and Medicinska Nakada Zagreb, Croatia) (2003); “Translating European Biotech into US Patents: Do’s, Don’t’s & Costs,” Focus in Biotechnology, Volume IV Engineering and Manufacturing for Biotechnology, Eds. Marcel Hofman and Philippe Thonart (Kluwer, Dordrecht, the Netherlands 2001); “Patent Reach and Reality: Tolls on the Patent Highway,” J. BioLaw & Bus., Vol. 4(3)65-68 (2001);“Trademark Basics – Rules of the Game, Strategy & Mistakes You Will Make,” Representing Working Artists in the New Millennium, (Massach usetts Continuing Legal Education, 2000); “Pharmaceutical Technology Licensing Specifics,” Technology Licensing for Corporate Lawyers, (Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, 1999); “Commentary: Significant Events Affecting Pharmaceutical Patent Portfolios,” Journal of Liposome Research, 9(2), ix-xiv (1999); and “Curtailing Biotech Patent Litigation,” Journal of Liposome Research 8(4),vii-xi (1998).

Admissions

Massachusetts
New York
Registered Patent Attorney, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Courts

United States Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
U.S. District Court for the Eastern, Southern and Western Districts of New York

Education

J.D., Boston College
B.A., University of Wisconsin at Madison