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.
Industries
Life Sciences
News
January 30, 2012, Washington Post highlights new Venable attorneys
January 27, 2012, Publications continue to highlight new patent group members
January 24, 2012, Publications feature new patent group members move to Venable
January 23, 2012, Venable Strengthens National Patent Prosecution/Litigation Practice with Addition of Five-Attorney Group, Including Three Partners
Publications
September 2008, Permanent Injunctions in the Post-eBay Era
Mark R. Shanks
2008, Permanent injunctions in the post-eBay era
Mark R. Shanks
Patents in the US
2007, Due Diligence for a Successful Acquisition
Mark R. Shanks
Intellectual Asset Management, From Innovation to Commercialization
September 2006, Guarding Against Price Erosion from Parallel Imports
Mark R. Shanks
Burrill Japan Life Sciences Quarterly, Vol. 2, No. 1
2006, Zen and the Art of Due Diligence
Mark R. Shanks
Intellectual Asset Management, IP Values in the Life Sciences Industries
Events/Speaking Engagements
Past Events
September 1, 2006, "Global Partnering and Licensing: How Major Pharma Approaches Collaborations and Legal Issues Concerning Structuring and Intellectual Property," for the Global Venture Forum, Osaka, Japan
Mark R. Shanks
September 1, 2006, "What Every Investigator Must Know About IP in Biotechnology Start-Ups," at the Japan Biotechnology Entrepreneurship Boot Camp, Tokyo, Japan
Mark R. Shanks
September 1, 2005, "Dealing With Global Competition - Maximizing Your Returns on R&D Through Collaborations - A Legal Perspective," for the Global Venture Forum, Osaka, Japan
Mark R. Shanks
May 1, 2005, "Patent Licensing and Litigation in the United States," Tokyo, Japan
Mark R. Shanks
September 1, 2004, "Strategic Alliances - Common Due Diligence Considerations," for the Global Venture Forum, Osaka, Japan
Mark R. Shanks