Mary Anthony Merchant, Ph.D., has joined Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP as partner in the Intellectual Property Department in the firm's Atlanta office and as leader of the Biotechnology Team in the Patent Group, Ballard Chairman Arthur Makadon announced today.
Most recently a partner at Troutman Sanders, Dr. Merchant is a seasoned attorney whose work focuses on procuring and protecting the intellectual property assets of her clients. Her experience encompasses patent prosecution, litigation, reexaminations, licensing, due diligence, and opinions. She provides intellectual property counsel to a variety of clients, including multinational corporations and start-up biotech and medical device companies. She has been involved in emerging growth companies, both domestically and internationally, and has handled financial transactions involving initial public offerings, sales and procurements of assets, and mergers and acquisitions. She also counsels on issues involving the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Merchant will lead Ballard's Biotechnology Team in the Intellectual Property Patent Group.
"In the field of biotech patent law, it takes a particular combination of skills to be a first-rate lawyer. We are particularly fortunate to have found, in Mary An, someone who is ideally suited," Mr. Makadon said. "She is experienced in the nuances of her area of law and possesses impressive credentials and a strong sense of patience and how to inspire confidence. Our firm, our patent practice, and our life sciences group all will benefit."
Dr. Merchant's graduate studies at Florida State University focused on endocrinology and nutrition. She then earned her Ph.D. at the University of Florida College of Medicine.
William H. Needle, co-chair of Ballard’s Intellectual Property Department, stated, "In Mary An, we have found the perfect person to guide the work of our biotechnology patent practice. Her background, experience, and personality combine to make her an invaluable asset to the firm."
"I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity than this one," Dr. Merchant said. "Ballard has made significant strides in building its IP practice this year, and I look forward to contributing to the firm's ongoing efforts in this area by leading the biotechnology patent team."