James Whittle

James is an experienced patent attorney and accomplished research scientist who advises life sciences companies on patent prosecution matters. He has significant experience helping gene therapy, cell therapy, and genomics companies build and acquire patent portfolios.

James works primarily with start-up and mid-sized biotechnology companies to manage and grow their patent portfolios. He provides strategic IP guidance customized to each company’s stage of development informed by his experience with patent prosecution, investor diligence, and patent litigation. In building patent portfolios, he begins with obtaining a deep, holistic understanding of his client’s science, coupled to their business objectives, and then thoughtfully drafts and prosecutes patent applications to be attractive to investors, structured for out-licensing or collaboration, and litigation-ready.

Prior to joining Mintz, James was an attorney in the IP practice of a large, international law firm, where he managed patent portfolios for more than 20 life sciences companies, drafted patent applications, and advised on IP issues for collaborations, investments, and public offerings. He also counseled clients on competitor patents, drafted patent opinions, and provided representation in PTAB matters. During law school, he was a judicial intern to the Honorable Kathleen O’Malley of the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.