Bill’s extensive in-house experience at major pharmaceutical companies gives him a unique perspective, allowing him to provide a broad range of biotech and pharma clients ranging from Fortune Global 500 companies to startups, with practical, business-focused advice.
Whether providing advice to in-house counsel or business associates, Bill understands the importance of delivering legal advice in a distilled, business-focused way. In-house counsel appreciate that he has literally been in their shoes because it is rare to find someone who understands the various aspects of their jobs and the associated legal issues, pressures and relational dynamics.
Bill has extensive experience in global patent portfolio creation and management, pharmaceutical patent life-cycle planning and IP due diligence. He is also skilled in assisting clients with freedom-to-operate studies, due diligence reviews, infringement and validity studies, and strategy and support for Hatch-Waxman litigation.
While at Eli Lilly and Co. and Pfizer, Bill was primary patent counsel for several late-stage and post-launch drug products, including four blockbuster drugs.
With his former firm, Bill was co-chair of the patent prosecution, biotechnology and pharmaceutical practice groups and served on the firm’s board of directors and executive committee.
Professional and Community Involvement
Member, Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO)
Member, IPO Pharmaceutical Issues Committee
Member, American Intellectual Property Law Association
Former member, IPO U.S. Patent Law (U.S.) Committee
Former member, IPO Hatch Waxman Committee
Former member, IPO Patent Office Practice (U.S.) Committee
Honors
Leading Lawyers Network, 2014-2016
LMG Life Sciences Life Science Star, 2012-2019, 2022-2024
LMG Life Sciences Patent Strategy Attorney of the Year – Midwest, 2021
Intellectual Asset Management, IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Practitioners, 2022-2024
Client Service Award, 2023
The Best Lawyers in America, 2024-2025