Polsinelli Shughart PC is expanding its Science and Technology practice with the addition of shareholder S. Wade Johnson to its Denver office. Johnson, a licensed professional mechanical engineer and patent lawyer, will advise clients on intellectual property and patent law matters with a focus on medical device technology. He plays an active role in the area of medical devices, having drafted, prosecuted, rendered opinions regarding, or assisted in litigation of more than 200 medical device patents and patent applications for Fortune 500 companies, early and late stage startups, and universities.
“Medical technology will continue to be a key driver of growth for the U.S.,” said Patrick C. Woolley, chair of the Science and Technology practice. “We’re excited to build on our strong, multi-disciplinary practice that meets the needs of the industry.”
The Science and Technology practice consists of attorneys in Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Phoenix and St. Louis. They focus on a wide range of issues for entrepreneurs in a variety of areas including clean technology, biotechnology, chemical, food science, pharmaceutical, and medical devices. Many of the lawyers have advanced degrees in biology, chemistry, engineering and microbiology. Prior to graduating from law school, Johnson worked as a licensed professional engineer for eight years.
Johnson is the third patent attorney to join the Denver office, following the addition of Gregory P. Durbin. Last year, the firm expanded its FDA practice by adding former FDA associate chief counsel Jason W. Sapsin. Johnson, Sapsin and Steve Stranne, a physician and lawyer in the firm’s D.C. office, will work closely together providing legal services to medical device clients. They will work as a team to help clients develop and implement comprehensive strategies to secure patent protection, FDA clearance, and reimbursement for new and existing medical technologies and clinical services.
“The work we do for clients is very rewarding and I’m thrilled to collaborate with some of the country’s brightest legal minds in the area of medical technology,” Johnson said. “Whether its IP strategy, patent prosecution, patentability and freedom-to-operate opinions, reimbursement or knowledge of FDA regulation, we are well positioned to serve the needs of clients at every stage of development.”
Prior to joining Polsinelli Shughart, Johnson was a partner in the Denver office of Dorsey & Whitney LLP. As an engineer, he brings hands-on experience in mechanical and electrical systems to his law practice. He earned his law degree with High Honors from the University of Montana School of Law in 2001 and earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University in 1991.
Johnson is a member of the Intellectual Property Section of the Colorado Bar Association and the American Intellectual Property Law Association.
Johnson is an excellent source for reporters working on stories about:
• Medical device patent issues
• Patent preparation and prosecution
• Patentability and freedom-to-operate opinions
• Mechanical and electrical systems patents
For more information contact:
Public Relations Manager Heather McMichael, 816-395-0618,
Russ Rizzo, Linhart PR, 303-951-2551,
About Polsinelli Shughart
With more than 500 attorneys, Polsinelli Shughart PC (www.polsinelli.com) is a national law firm that is a recognized leader in the areas of business law, financial services, real estate and business litigation. Serving corporate, institutional and individual clients, Polsinelli Shughart is redefining the business of law by sharing ideas, goals and outcomes with its clients. The firm builds enduring relationships by creating value beyond legal services - with passion, ingenuity and a sense of urgency. The firm has offices located in Kansas City; St. Louis; Phoenix; Chicago; Denver; Washington, D.C.; New York; Wilmington, Del.; Overland Park, Kan.; St. Joseph, Springfield, and Jefferson City, Mo.; Topeka, Kan.; and Edwardsville, Ill.