Melissa Hunter-Ensor is a patent attorney with Edwards Wildman in Boston who specializes in assisting clients ranging from start-ups to universities and medical research institutes to global pharmaceutical companies in designing IP portfolios that will help them to achieve their business objectives. She is one of a select number of attorneys chosen to do work with the National Institutes of Health on intellectual property matters.
She specializes in the strategic development of patent portfolios in the fields of biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, immunology, biochemical and molecular diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, microbiology, molecular genetics, pharmacogenomics, recombinant technologies, enzyme replacement therapy, gene therapy, bioinformatics, drug discovery, medical devices and chemistry.
She also assists venture capital firms and other investors in assessing IP risks of target investments and conducts patent and licensing due diligence for life sciences transactions, including the Takeda acquisition of Millennium Pharmaceuticals.
In addition, Melissa has experience in patent litigation, most recently serving as a technical consultant to the EW litigation team for an important case of Massachusetts General Hospital.
After receiving her B.A. in chemistry at Smith College, Melissa completed her Ph.D. in neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania where she conducted research in the genetic basis of circadian rhythms. Her thesis research resulted in a first author Cell paper. Melissa then joined the M.I.T. laboratory of Nobel laureate H. Robert Horvitz as a post-doctoral fellow where she was awarded a Jane Coffin Child fellowship.
Recent Speaking Engagements and Publications
Melissa is the first author of a Cell paper, and is co-author of numerous articles published in a variety of scientific journals, including Science, Neuron, Journal of Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Journal of Biological Rhythms, and Brain Research.
News & Publications
July 7, 2008, Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge Recognized in the American Lawyer
April 10, 2008, EAPD Represents Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited in $8.8 Billion Acquisition of Millennium Pharmaceuticals
Before Edwards Wildman
Prior to joining the firm, Melissa worked as a technology specialist and patent agent at an intellectual property boutique that specialized in biotechnology patent prosecution.
Besides Edwards Wildman
Melissa enjoys cycling, jazz piano, and sailing. Melissa serves on the Associate Advisory Committee for the United Way. She was recently selected as a Boston Future Leader by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
Industries
· Life Sciences
· Education