Verrill’s patent attorneys specialize in assisting biotech and life science clients at every level from university research, to startups, to mid-market and large corporations. We understand the challenges of leveraging funding for product development from dynamic research programs in a competitive environment. We’re experienced in US and foreign patent prosecution, patent litigation, post-grant proceedings, opinions related to non-infringement, invalidity, freedom to operate, inventorship disputes, licensing, portfolio analysis, and competitor analysis.

        Our patent prosecutors have extensive experience dealing with patent eligibility matters and work with a wide array of technologies including the following:

        • Antibodies
        • Aptamers
        • Aquaculture
        • Biofuels
        • Cancer therapies and vaccines
        • CAR T-cells
        • Cell culture
        • Chromatography systems
        • CRISPR technology
        • Drug delivery vehicles
        • Drug formulation
        • ELISA
        • Fluorescence in situ hybridization
        • Food science and enzymes
        • Gene therapy
        • Genetic adjuvants
        • Genomics
        • Immunotherapeutics
        • Industrial chemical and biochemical processes
        • Medical diagnostics
        • Microscopy technology and image analysis
        • Modular agricultural systems
        • Nanoparticles
        • Nucleic acids
        • Nutritional biochemistry
        • Probes
        • Proteins
        • Sequencing technology
        • Small molecule pharmaceuticals
        • Spectrometry
        • Stem cells
        • Targeting of drugs and biologics
        • Test kits
        • Transgenic animals
        • Treatment of diabetes and metabolic diseases
        • Viral vectors

        Examples of how our patent attorneys have helped their biotech clients include:

        • Quickly established a patent portfolio in the competitive CAR T-cell space to support funding efforts of a biotech startup.
        • Assisted an instrumentation company in an inventorship dispute with its research collaborator, resulting in the company establishing its own patent portfolio.
        • Obtained broad patent coverage for a biologics formulations company to support its partnering efforts.
        Experience
        Successfully obtained federal, state, and local permits for multiple expansions of Maine’s only commercial landfill facility and provides ongoing compliance and regulatory support for the landfill and associated facilities.

        Firm Highlights

        Published Works

        Four Verrill Attorneys Co-Author Massachusetts Trends and Developments Chapter for Chambers and Partners Child Relocation 2026 Guide

        Verrill attorneys Mary H. Schmidt, Rachel A. Deering, Hannah R. Zukoff, and Mariah G. Tappan co-authored the “Trends and Developments” chapter...
        Blog

        A New Protected Class in Maine: Holders of Final Protection Orders

        In the lead-up to Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, employers may be taking a closer look at how their policies and practices respond to...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        Verrill Secures SJC Victory for Boston Legacy FC in White Stadium Litigation

        Verrill has secured a significant appellate victory for Boston Legacy FC in the litigation challenging the redevelopment of White Stadium in...
        Blog

        Hurry Up and Wait

        This is the third in a series of Verrill blog posts on Maine’s packaging extended producer responsibility (“EPR”) law[1]. In July we reported...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Discusses First Brands Chapter 11 Case in Law360

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach was recently quoted in a Law360 article examining the rejection of First Brands Group's Chapter 11 plan and the...
        Media Mentions

        Cybersecurity and AI Governance: Scott Anderson Featured in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly

        Verrill Managing Partner Scott Anderson was recently featured in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly discussing how law firms can build attorney buy-in for...
        Blog

        Section 530A Account Update: ERISA Status of Trump Accounts

        The Department of Labor has issued important guidance addressing whether employer programs that permit contributions to Section 530A accounts (and...
        Press Releases

        97 Verrill Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® 2027, Including Four Named Lawyers of the Year

        AUGUSTA, Maine, BANGOR, Maine, BOSTON, Mass., PORTLAND, Maine, and WESTPORT, Conn., (August 20, 2026) – Verrill is proud to announce that 97...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        SEC’s Proposed “Reg Crypto”: What Founders Need to Know

        Startup founders and emerging-growth companies have a number of options for raising capital under the federal securities laws, including Regulation D...
        Blog

        After 45 Years, the IRS Speaks on DCAP Nondiscrimination Testing – And It’s Good News

        Employers that provide a Dependent Care Assistance Program will be pleased to learn that for the first time in 45 years, the IRS has issued guidance...
        Media Mentions

        U.S. Courts Highlights Annabel Rodriguez’s Journey from Fellow to Mentor

        Verrill attorney Annabel Rodriguez was featured in a recent U.S. Courts article titled “From Fellows to Mentors: Alumni Share Lasting Lessons from...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Discusses Bankruptcy Auction Strategy in Law360

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach spoke with Law360 article examining the complex bankruptcy auction process that resulted in the sale of 23 summer...