Mark Shanks is a partner in Venable’s patent prosecution group. As an experienced IP attorney, Mr. Shanks has represented domestic and international clients in almost all aspects of patent acquisition and enforcement.

In addition to assisting clients with the strategic development and monetization of IP portfolios, Mr. Shanks represents clients in a wide variety of IP litigation matters, including the enforcement of patents in both the traditional and Hatch-Waxman contexts, the enforcement of non-competition agreements, and the protection of trade secrets. Mr. Shanks also advises clients on IP matters related to mergers and acquisitions and other commercial and technology related transactions.

Prior to joining Venable, Mr. Shanks was a founding partner of the IP firm Shanks and Herbert. He also worked as patent counsel at a Fortune 500 diversified technology corporation.

Significant Matters

• Defended a subsidiary of the world’s largest research-based pharmaceutical company regarding an alleged infringement of patents concerning Hepatitis C virus (HCV) technology, brought by a multinational biotechnology firm.
• Defended a pharmaceutical innovator in a Hatch-Waxman patent infringement lawsuit.
• Represented an S&P 500 chemical company in a declaratory judgment action brought by an American aerospace manufacturing company relating to patents on polymeric compositions.
• Represented a French pharmaceutical company against numerous generic drug manufacturers in a Hatch-Waxman Act case involving anticholesterol therapeutics.
• Represented a small U.S. company in patent infringement litigation concerning tissue technology.
• Represented one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies in evaluating a potential multibillion dollar acquisition of a European biotechnology company.
• Defended a U.S. subsidiary of a Japanese company against allegations of trade secret misappropriation and other tortious conduct in connection with the hiring of a former employee of a competitor.
• Represented a U.S. subsidiary of an Indian company in the enforcement of non-competition agreements.