Prior to joining BF&F, James gained valuable in-house experience as Manager of Intellectual Property at Mendel Biotechnology, Hayward, CA; a position he held while also serving the company as a Senior Scientist.

“My dual roles in-house at Mendel gave me the opportunity to see how lab work translates to IP assets, as well as how patent practitioners fit into the workflow.”

James has broad-based experience in a diverse array of life sciences—particularly biotechnology—including: protein therapeutics (including antibodies), next-generation cell-based therapies, gene therapy, spatial analysis, single cell analysis, diagnostics, genomics, vaccines, regenerative medicine/aging and general molecular biology, including enzymes and reagents. James has an affinity for complex inventions.

“I enjoy the intellectual process of describing a very complicated invention as succinctly and clearly as possible.”

James represents a wide range of clients from cutting-edge academic research institutions to start-ups to larger established companies. He has a track record of success in creating value for his clients, including drafting around 20 foundational patent applications for start-ups that have since been successful in raising capital, were acquired, or have gone public. James’ current “business first” approach resulted from his early experiences in patent law.

“Relatively early in my career I handled a number of patent applications that covered products that one could actually buy. This experience gave me the opportunity to take a detailed look at the commercial product and make sure it was covered by the claims. Today, I try to make sure patent strategy is aligned with business strategy, both of which are in a constant state of evolution.”