Paul E. Zarek, Ph.D.

Associate / St. Louis Metro Office

In his practice, Paul’s unique skillset and impressive background enable him to provide a superior level of representation for clients. A former patent examiner and agent, he focuses on counseling inventors within the biological, biopharma, and life science industries on matters including small molecule therapeutics, biologics, medical devices, and a wide variety of disease treatment protocols. He is a rare patent attorney with considerable experience on both sides of the patent process. He is well versed in Freedom to Operate issues and frequently provides clients with patent landscape reporting. His lifelong fascination with science and biology boosts his meticulous counsel on highly technical and complex patent prosecutions. Few people within IP law can offer Paul’s combination of United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) understanding and subject matter knowledge.

Paul’s prior experience as a Patent Agent for Harness and a Patent Examiner at the USPTO gives him a singular understanding of the necessity of patents to protect intellectual property (IP). He also holds a Ph.D. in pharmacology and molecular science. His thorough understanding of the patent’s subject matter and the process ensures the highest quality patent applications. His ability to analyze prospective protections from both sides is extremely valuable to clients, saving time and money.

EXEMPLARY PATENTS

  • US Patent No. 9,119,822 “Use of PDE7 inhibitors for the Treatment of Movement Disorders,” Omeros Corp.
  • US Patent no. 8,877,764 “Method for Treating Cancer Harboring EGFR Mutations,” Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH.
  • US Patent No. 8,748,601 “Selective Serine/Threonine Kinase Inhibitors,” The Regents of the University of California.
  • US Patent No. 8,680,109 “Combination Product Comprising SRC Kinase Inhibitor AZDO530 and an Antioestrogen or EGFR-TK-Inhibitor,” AstraZeneca AB.
  • US Patent No. 8,642,598 “Heterocyclic Compounds and Their Use as Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Inhibitors,” AbbVie Inc.
  • US Patent No. 8,629,163 “Tetrakis-Quaternary Ammonium Salts and Methods for Modulating Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors,” University of Kentucky Research Foundation.
  • US Patent No. 8,604,045 “Pyrimidylaminobenzamide Derivatives for Treatment of Neurofibromatosis,” Novartis AG.
  • US Patent No. 8,563,573 “Azaindole derivatives as CFTR Modulators,” Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  • US Patent No. 8,449,886 “Combination of Anti-CTLA4 Antibody with Tubulin Modulating Agents for the Treatment of Proliferative Diseases,” Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
  • US Patent No. 7,737,156 “Selective Phosphodiesterase 9A Inhibitors as Medicaments for Improving Cognitive Processes,” Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH.

Before passing the bar, Paul worked at Harness IP as a Patent Agent. He approved patents for major pharmaceutical companies, academic research institutions, and pro se inventors. Paul studied law at night and graduated from law school in 2021. Prior to joining the firm, he focused his examination efforts at the USPTO on small molecule pharmaceuticals and methods of treatment, particularly immunology and cancer. As an Examiner, he utilized his comprehensive patent experience and extensive knowledge of patent laws and regulations to determine the patentability of claimed inventions.

A dedicated father and family man, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and four children and rooting for the Georgetown Hoyas with them whenever possible.

 

AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS

  • Bronze Medal for Superior Federal Service, 2014

CIVIC & CHARITABLE

  • Kids Against Hunger, DC Metro, Steering Committee Member, 2008-2015

Education

J.D., Concentration in Intellectual Property, Saint Louis University, 2021

Ph.D., Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 2008

B.S., Biology, Georgetown University, 1998

B.A., English, Georgetown University, 1998

Bar & COURT ADMISSIONS

Missouri

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office