Jeffrey Townes

Member, Cozen O’Connor

Jeff focuses his practice on the life sciences industry counseling clients in the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and material sciences sectors. His clients include those with technology involving polymer chemistry, such as resins, plastics, fibers, elastomers and coatings, and adhesives; organic chemistry, including synthesis and uses of pharmaceutical compounds and small molecules; and organometallic chemistry, including metathesis catalysts. Jeff regularly advises clients in matters involving diagnostic testing, including the use of biomarkers for cardiovascular, diabetes, and related diseases; as well as nucleic acids (such as chemical modification of oligonucleotides) and nanotechnology.

A major aspect of Jeff’s practice involves overseeing post-grant proceedings, including inter partes review (IPR) proceedings, ex parte reexamination, and reissue applications. In fact, Jeff played a key role in the petition, preparation, and trial of 10 of the first IPRs filed on chemical patents by LeClairRyan.

In addition, Jeff regularly authors invalidity, non-infringement and freedom to operate opinions; conducts due diligence analyses; drafts and negotiates assignments and licenses; drafts and prosecutes patent applications; and handles interferences, European oppositions, and inventorship disputes.

Jeff was named to Virginia Business magazine’s 2012 “Legal Elite,” Intellectual Property and he has been actively involved in the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) for several years. Jeff previously chaired the Chemical Patent Practice Committee of the AIPLA, and is currently the vice chair of the PTAB Trial Committee. He speaks regularly at AIPLA-hosted events, as well as those hosted by the Brazilian Association of Intellectual Property (ABPI) and the American Chemical Society.

Jeff received his B.S. in chemistry from Bucknell University and his law degree from George Mason University School of Law.