Dechert hires Harvard-educated chemist as IP partner
John Rearick is the latest addition to the firm to strengthen its life sciences practice.
Dechert has added Harvard-educated chemist John Rearick as a partner in its Boston office.
The new hire, who joins from Choate Hall & Stewart, specialises in strategic counselling related to patent prosecution for small molecule pharmaceuticals and other chemical innovations.
“For decades, Dechert has counselled biotech and pharmaceutical companies and the investors that fund them on their most complex IP strategies and disputes. I’m excited to welcome John to Dechert as we continue to strengthen and focus on areas that set us apart from other firms,” said David Forti, co-chair of Dechert.
This appointment marks the second addition to Dechert's IP practice this year. In May, patent litigator Nisha Patel Gupta returned to the firm's Silicon Valley office.
Andrea Reid, co-chair of Dechert’s IP practice, commented on Rearick’s arrival.
“John’s training as a chemist and strong experience in patent prosecution make him a terrific addition to our life sciences team in Boston. Our team, like Boston itself, is a magnet for innovative IP and life sciences clients. John’s arrival underscores our commitment to this important market,” said Reid.
Rearick has assisted clients in obtaining worldwide patent coverage for their small molecule therapeutics, particularly in areas such as oncology, infectious disease, and neurodegenerative disease.
“Global competition for IP assets has never been fiercer,” said Rearick.
“Clients today need experienced, forward-looking counsel who can craft strategies that will protect their patents and maximise the viability and value of their discoveries.
“I am delighted to team up with Andrea Reid at Dechert and continue to help clients navigate the most complex opportunities and challenges this space presents.”
Additionally, Rearick has played a role in securing extended exclusivity in clients' drug product portfolios. He has advised clients on contentious matters involving product-critical patents before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and has handled post-grant challenges in foreign jurisdictions.
In addition to his PhD in chemistry from Harvard University, Rearick holds a JD from Boston University School of Law.
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