Impact of AI on IP: Guardian or Terminator
Sponsored By: McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP
Brian Cocca is an Executive Director, Assistant General Counsel, in the Intellectual Property Group at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of Tarrytown, NY. Brian guides the IP strategy and manages the worldwide patent portfolio for the Regeneron Genetics Center. Additionally, Brian advises Regeneron’s global development and regulatory teams concerning management of confidential information in the company’s worldwide clinical and regulatory submissions. Brian is also actively involved with Regeneron’s Government Affairs Office in addressing matters of US and international legislation and rulemaking affecting intellectual property protection. Brian earned his law degree in 2004 from The George Washington University School of Law, and his Ph.D. in immunology in 2001 from Drexel University’s MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine.
Jason J. Derry, Ph.D. is currently Associate General Counsel, Intellectual Property at Synthego, a genome engineering platform company. Prior to joining Synthego, he was Director, Pharma Counsel - IP at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, primarily supporting biological ophthalmology projects and marketed products. His work has focused on developing a robust patent strategy for platform technologies, products and product candidates, identifying and mitigating freedom to operate risks, and providing intellectual property assessments, due diligence, litigation, and negotiation support. His responsibilities have also included providing advice and counsel to alliance managers and various stakeholders on contractual matters related to in-licensed compounds and commercialized products. Dr. Derry received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, cum laude, from Milligan College in 1996, a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Molecular Genetics from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2001, and a Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from DePaul University College of Law in 2004. He is a member of the Illinois and Texas State Bars.
Aaron Gin, Ph.D., helps clients secure intellectual property rights for their innovative technologies. Dr. Gin prepares and prosecutes U.S. and foreign applications for patents and trademarks. He also advises clients on patent validity, infringement, and patentability. Dr. Gin is engaged in the biggest debates in the patent law field and has weighed in with several amicus briefs at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States. He also has experience with inter partes review proceedings. The son of a chemical engineer and medical technologist, Dr. Gin has always had a passion for cutting-edge science and innovation. After earning his doctorate in electrical engineering, Dr. Gin worked as a Senior Member of Technical Staff at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies and Sandia National Laboratories, where he conducted basic research into material growth, nanoscale fabrication, and characterization of optoelectronic devices. Dr. Gin discovered a new way to grow nanometer-thick multi-layered materials for use in next-generation infrared sensors and is a named inventor on U.S. Patent Nos. 7,755,079 and 8,293,566: Strained-layer superlattice focal plane array having a planar structure. Dr. Gin is co-Chair of MBHB’s Recruiting Committee and a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Outside of work, he enjoys cheering on and sometimes coaching his three daughters in basketball, soccer, softball, and dance. Dr. Gin is also a recreational runner and has completed the Chicago Marathon on numerous occasions.
Charles Kim currently serves as the Director of the Office of Petitions at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The Office of Petitions reviews and decides petitions, requests, and related inquiries, regarding the filing of patent applications, revival of abandoned applications, reinstatement of expired patents, withdrawal of patent applications from issue, small entity entitlement, review of previous decisions of the Technology Centers, suspension of regulations, and questions not specifically provided for by regulations. Prior to working at the Office of Petitions, Charles served for two years as a Senior Advisor to the Deputy Commissioner for Patent Examination Policy. Charles also previously served as a Supervisory Patent Examiner in Technology Center 2100—Computer Architecture and Software. Charles has a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University and received his JD degree from George Washington University Law School. Engineering from Rutgers University and received his JD degree from George Washington University Law School.
Donald L. Zuhn, Jr. is a partner with McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP and serves as Chair of the firm’s Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals Practice Group. Dr. Zuhn has more than a decade of experience in all aspects of patent prosecution, litigation, counseling, and licensing. He represents a variety of clients, including biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies both large and small, and universities. Dr. Zuhn joined MBHB in 1998. He maintained a full-time position as a law clerk while attending law school at night until his graduation in 2002.
