Barnes & Thornburg Welcomes Pharma, Biochemistry Patent Litigator to Growing Atlanta Office

ATLANTA – Barnes & Thornburg is pleased to announce the addition of IP litigator John W. Cox, Ph.D., as a partner in its Atlanta office. Cox has joined the Intellectual Property Department with a focus on patent litigation and strategic counseling related to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and chemical matters. 

Cox’s practice deals with complex scientific subject matter including treatments of rare diseases and cancer, brain chemistry, the gastrointestinal system, drug delivery systems, medical diagnostic methods, the generation of biofuel using bacteria, and processes for manufacturing chemicals and pharmaceutical products. 

He is a trusted counselor to innovative life sciences companies, including brand pharmaceutical companies in Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) cases. He advises his clients in developing both offensive and defensive strategies from pre-litigation investigations to discovery, motion practice, and trial, working directly with lead technical witnesses, including inventors and experts. 

“John’s technical background in biochemistry paired with his vast patent litigation experience will complement our intellectual property, drug, and medical device practices,” said Julia Gard, chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department. “Amid ongoing changes in the drug patent industry under the new administration, we’re excited to have John on our team as we rise to these new opportunities and challenges on behalf of our clients.”

With over 18 years of experience practicing in the life sciences arena, Cox has also expanded his work to counseling foreign pharmaceutical companies in patent litigation procedures and strategies. He understands the complexities of U.S. patents and helps his clients navigate the crossroads of foreign business practices.

“John brings an impressive set of skills and a global perspective to our clients looking for counsel on their worldwide intellectual property rights and strategies,” said John T.L. Koenig managing partner of the Atlanta office. “John has his finger on the pulse in both the science and patent industries, which will be invaluable as we continue to grow in the Atlanta market.”  

The addition of Cox to the IP group comes on the heels of multiple recent new hires in the practice, including the opening of the firm’s Boston office with four IP partners, further indicating Barnes & Thornburg’s dedication to its intellectual property and life sciences capabilities nationally. The firm’s Atlanta office has also experienced significant growth this year, with Cox being the 10th attorney addition this year. 

“I have been impressed with the targeted growth at Barnes & Thornburg, particularly the addition of great talent focusing on protecting and enforcing the assets of innovative brand-side pharmaceutical companies,” said Cox. “I recognized the significant benefit of this platform and approach to exceptional client service to both my clients and me personally. I look forward to providing our clients with the strategic capabilities that align with their complex legal needs and doing so in the collegial and collaborative environment at Barnes & Thornburg.”

Cox earned his J.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law, his Ph.D. in chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University, and his B.S. from Washington and Lee University. 

With more than 700 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Atlanta, Boston, California, Chicago, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, New York, Ohio, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, Texas and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit us online at www.btlaw.com or on Twitter @BTLawNews.