Ballard Spahr adds partner from McCarter & English

John Zurawski has  joined Ballard Spahr as a partner in Philadelphia, after spending more than two years at  McCarter & English.

Zurawski has prepared and prosecuted complex patent portfolios relating to a range of areas, including gene therapy, medical devices, and biosensors. He has particular expertise in dealing with patent exclusivity and regulatory designations for life sciences companies.

According to Ballard Spahr, Zurawski is known for his work with pioneering companies, research institutions, higher education entities, and emerging growth spaces. He assists life sciences, biotechnology, and agricultural clients with IP procurement, licensing, and commercialisation.

He has also provided patentability opinions and performed portfolio diligence for acquisitions and transactions, and negotiated agreements for licensing, joint development, and clinical research agreements.

On his appointment, Zurawski said: “Ballard Spahr’s collaborative environment, national platform in both IP and corporate law, and excellence across technical fields will allow me to provide clients with better service and value. I am very excited to contribute my skill set and experience to the Ballard Spahr team and our clients.”

Zurawski has also worked at law firms Pepper Hamilton and Cozen O’Connor. Prior to practising law, he worked as a research specialist at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Lynn Rzonca, chair of the firm’s IP department, said: “John is a tremendous addition to our team and will benefit clients in a number of industries, particularly life sciences and biotech. His combination of legal, business, and scientific acumen and experience will be of great value to clients as they face complex and evolving challenges in the patent sphere."

Did you enjoy reading this story?  Sign up to our free newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox.