Dechert Welcomes Life Sciences Intellectual Property Team in Boston

Dechert LLP announced today that Andrew Wilkins, Ph.D., has joined the firm as a partner and Sean Coughlin has joined the firm as counsel. Both are based in Boston and join Dechert’s leading Intellectual Property group. This follows the addition of IP partners Howard Levine and Jennifer Swan in January, and further expands Dechert’s global life sciences capabilities.

Dr. Wilkins is a patent attorney with a focus on biotechnology. He has extensive experience with worldwide patent portfolio development and life cycle management, non-infringement and invalidity analysis, post-grant proceedings and IP due diligence for companies and investors in the biotechnology industry. Dr. Wilkins received a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School, a Ph.D. in Molecular Cell Biology from the University of London, U.K., and a B.Sc. from the University of Glasgow, U.K. He was formerly a partner with another law firm.

Mr. Coughlin advises clients and prepares and prosecutes patent applications, domestic and foreign, primarily in the life sciences, including the fields of biochemistry, biofuels, organic chemistry, nucleic acid diagnostics, cellular and molecular biology, and immunology.  Mr. Coughlin received a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, a M.A. from Boston University School of Medicine, and a Sc.B. from Brown University. He was formerly a partner with another law firm.

Andrew Levander, Chair of Dechert’s Policy Committee, said, “Andrew and Sean have handled an impressive range of complex patent matters. They are a welcomed addition as the firm continues strategically to build its global IP and life sciences capabilities.”

Dr. Wilkins commented, “We’re very excited to join Dechert’s IP group and work alongside the firm’s team of dynamic and innovative practitioners.”

Andrea Reid, co-lead of Dechert’s Global Life Sciences practice and member of the firm’s Policy Committee, said, “Andrew and Sean bring a wealth of biotech IP and life sciences expertise and firmly complement the breadth and high-level nature of Dechert’s already deep bench of pharma practitioners. We are delighted to have them in our Boston office, a key region for the life sciences industry.”

Dechert’s global IP practice is focused on maximizing the commercial value of intellectual property. Its lawyers have extensive experience assisting companies with monetizing and extracting value from their IP portfolios, including managing strategic worldwide licensing campaigns and representing clients in both defensive and enforcement litigation around the world.

About Dechert

Dechert is a leading global law firm with 26 offices around the world. We advise on matters and transactions of the greatest complexity, bringing energy, creativity and efficient management of legal issues to deliver commercial and practical advice for clients.