Geoffrey Zelley

Partner

+1 302 467 4201

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Overview

Geoffrey Zelley applies his technical background to generate robust counsel to clients in the biotech, pharmaceutical and chemical fields in patent preparation and prosecution in the United States and abroad. A chemical engineer and former researcher in the developing field of 3-D printing for biological purposes, Geoffrey brings a keen eye for technical details and core technologies to protecting client innovations. He manages a large docket of ongoing patent matters, delivering strategies that help clients obtain the broadest possible patent protection while avoiding unnecessary costs. Geoffrey also brings experience in post-grant proceedings at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), including reissues, reexaminations and inter partes review proceedings.

Patent Prosecution and Strategy

Geoffrey provides intellectual property counsel and opinions, including analyzing patent validity and invalidity, freedom to operate, and noninfringement. In all patent applications, Geoffrey proactively engages examiners at the USPTO to streamline prosecution and avoid unnecessary expenses. Geoffrey also oversees the patent-related aspects of major business transactions; for instance, managing the transfer of a large international patent family when the holder of those patents was acquired by a new company.

Patent Litigation

Geoffrey has represented clients on both sides of standard patent infringement cases, as well as Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) litigations. In these matters, Geoffrey has provided discovery, including e-discovery, document collection, review, production and witness preparation. He also litigates on behalf of clients in cases of false patent marking allegations. He has represented chemical companies, consumer product companies and pharmaceutical companies.

Customs and International Trade

Geoffrey utilizes his technical background to provide counseling to client in areas of international trade, including tariff classification of chemical, pharmaceutical, and related products. He has also provided technical support in related international trade areas, for example Section 337 actions in the International Trade Commission.

Research Background

Prior to attending law school, Geoffrey was a research associate in the developing field of three dimensional printing. He supported research and development for the formulation of 3-D printed organic and inorganic scaffolds for use in tissue engineering.