Gilles Pfend

“Passionate about Life Sciences since always, I have a Master’s degree in Biochemistry and a postgraduate diploma (DEA) in Molecular Biology from the University of Strasbourg (France). After obtaining my Ph.D. in molecular biology at the University of Strasbourg and at the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV, Switzerland), I started in the field of Intellectual Property as a patent agent in a private practice in Lausanne.

At KATZAROV since 2001, I graduated from CEIPI in 2003 and, as a European and Swiss patent attorney, I specialized in inventions in the Life Sciences (pharmaceutical, chemical and biotechnological). Results-oriented and recognized as providing creative and efficient IP solutions by my clients (including some NASDAQ listed companies). One of my favorite activities is to educate start-up players and innovators on how to best protect their Life Sciences innovations by organizing IP workshops and seminars.

In parallel, I am also involved in patent validity and infringement proceedings before the Swiss Federal Patent Court and am a member of the VESPA/ACBSE and the Executive Board of the Swiss AIPPI group.

I have also been teaching intellectual property to students of the Master in Life Sciences at the University of Lausanne since 2011.”

Primary Expertise

Patent prosecution and filing strategy, Patent portfolio management, Patent Litigation.

Secondary Expertise

Educating, Mentoring, IP Due diligence

Professional Memberships

AIPPI Switzerland (Association Internationale pour la Protection de la Propriété Intellectuelle) – Member of the Board (Secretary) since 2013

Technical Expertise

Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry & Pharma fields such as, e.g. New chemical entities, Antibodies, Biomarkers, Diagnostics, Cell and Gene Therapies (incl. gene editing), Personalized medicine, Plant biotechnology

Other information

• International Exhibition of Inventions – Former member of the International Jury (2002-2010)- Geneva | Switzerland
• Master of Life Sciences – Teaching IP for Biotech inventions @ UNIL since 2011, 2 hours/academic year – Lausanne | Switzerland
• Innosuisse Special Coach – Performing IP roadmap and assessments for start-ups

Education

• C.E.I.P.I. graduated – University of Strasbourg | France
• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology – University of Strasbourg | France
• Post graduate Diploma (D.E.A) in Molecular Biology – University of Strasbourg | France
• Master’s Degree in Biochemistry – University of Strasbourg | France
• Master’s Degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology – Master’s Degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology

Languages

• French
• English
• German
• some Swiss German

Hobbies & Personal information

Enjoys discovering other cultures and places through travel, with a suitcase full of books. An art lover with a weakness for art nouveau, and a great wine enthusiast in his spare time.