Krista Vink Venegas, Ph.D.

Krista strategically counsels life sciences clients on IP disputes and litigation avoidance, and advises on the interrelated regulatory, antitrust, and corporate aspects which impact market exclusivity. She also regularly advises on internal IP practices and protocols, as well as IP implications of transactions, risk reduction, and disputes arising therefrom.

Krista is also a co-leader of the firm’s Women in Tech initiative, and a former member of the Pro Bono Committee. 

Previously, Krista conducted research at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology, using a multidisciplinary approach (molecular biology, cellular biology, physiology, anatomy, and behavior) to study gene expression and regulation of neuropeptides by hormones in the brain. Krista applies her multidisciplinary degree to our high-tech clients working in industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, dental products, computer systems, and other consumer products.  

• Conducted litigation evaluations and trials relating to a variety of life sciences technologies comprising brand and generic pharmaceuticals, including biologics and small molecules (such as Hatch-Waxman cases relating to injectable, oral dosage, and topical dosage forms); medical devices (such as orthopedic implants, bone cement, stents, and resorbable cosmetic implants); and medical imaging (such as ultrasound, neuronavigation, and proton beam therapy systems)        
  
  • Biomet, Inc. v. Bonutti Skeletal, Inc., N.D. Ind., 13-cv-176-JVB-CAN: Successfully resolved a patent infringement action involving spine, hip, and knee implants, in which the defendant was accused of infringing 20 patents to devices and methods of using the same        
  • Pfizer & UCB Pharma v. Sandoz, Inc., et al., D. Del., 13-cv-1111: Lead counsel in a patent infringement action related to prodrug compounds used to treat urinary incontinence, including noninfringement and invalidity defenses         
  • Pfizer, Inc., et al. v. Sandoz, Inc., et al., D. Del., 12-cv-808: Successfully resolved a patent infringement action related to modified salt forms of compounds used to treat depression, including noninfringement and invalidity defenses
  • Tolmar, Inc., et al. v. Galderma, D. Del., 10-cv-045: Obtained a defense victory based on a finding a Federal Circuit finding of patent invalidity in a five-patent case relating to the treatment of acne using increased dosages of adapalene in topical formulations       
• Conducted due diligence analyses of IP assets in corporate life sciences investments and acquisitions, including evaluation of IP assets subject to litigation and post-grant challenges
• Conducted litigation and risk-management evaluations for clients in other highly regulated industries, including recreational products

Pro Bono Representations

• Election Protection: Election monitor and call center leader for the nation’s largest nonpartisan voter protection coalition
• Families Against Mandatory Minimums
  
  • Successfully obtained C.D. Illinois reduction of sentence and release of inmate from Ohio minimum security facility due to significant COVID risk; secured Akron public housing exemption for reunification with family
• Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Inc.        
  
  • N.D. Illinois Settlement Assistance Program: Successfully settled several inmates pro se civil rights cases with the Illinois State's Attorney and Attorney General's Offices, as well as other local municipalities, following mediation facilitated by local magistrate judges
  • Election Protection: Election monitor for the nation’s largest nonpartisan voter protection coalition
• Family Defense Center, Corona and Morales v. State of Illinois (Lake Cty. Cir. Ct., Case No. 13 MR 881): Successfully appealed administrative law judge's determination and expunged a medical neglect indication on behalf of a non-English-speaking family, stemming from their young son's ER visits