Heather J. DiPietrantonio, PhD

Overview

Heather DiPietrantonio counsels biotechnology and other life sciences clients on patent portfolio management and strategic development. With a PhD in genetics and just over 15 years of experience in the patent profession, Heather provides clients in the life sciences space with a unique and valuable perspective on intellectual property matters that lie at the intersection of technology and law. She works with clients ranging from start-ups and small- to mid-sized companies to research institutions at all stages of the business lifecycle. Heather helps clients survey competitive patent landscapes and renders opinions of counsel on freedom to operate, non-infringement, and patent invalidity. She also conducts IP due diligence for venture capital investment and corporate business development.

Heather has experience working with a wide range of therapeutic areas including cancer, autoimmunity, metabolic disorders, and rare diseases with a focus on RNA-based therapeutics, gene editing, gene therapy, cell therapy, vaccines, antibodies, tissue engineering, and transgenic animals.

Heather strives to cultivate a true partnership with each client and serve as an extension of their team. She leverages her combined business acumen, technical understanding, and legal knowledge to help clients develop and execute on intellectual property strategies that align with their company’s broader goals.

In addition to her role within Wolf Greenfield’s biotechnology team, Heather is also active in the legal community through organizations like the Boston Patent Law Association, Women Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology, and Women in Bio. She has been repeatedly ranked by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers, has been recognized by the IAM Patent 1000 as one of the world’s leading patent professionals, and has been recognized among Top Women of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

During her doctoral research, Heather focused on the regulation of neuronal cell fate, differentiation, and axonal guidance through genetic and signal transduction mechanisms.

Experience

• Developed patent strategies and portfolios for companies in the gene editing, cell therapy, and gene therapy space, including patent portfolios for cancer and autoimmune therapies currently undergoing clinical trials
• Developed world-wide patent portfolio for early-stage biotech company for its pioneering mRNA vaccine technology and counseled on Bayh-Dole compliance
• Developed world-wide patent portfolio for oncology company and counseled company from Series A financing through IPO
• Advised metabolic disease device company on development of patent portfolio for groundbreaking gene therapy
• Representing early-stage biotech companies in defending IP due diligence in connection with private fund raising and IPO
• Provided IP due diligence for multiple biotech transactions
• Provided IP due diligence for private equity companies in connection with financing of early-stage biotech companies
• Conducted freedom to operate studies in advance of commercial launch of gene therapy product
• Negotiated patent license agreements

Activities

• Boston Intellectual Property Law Association
• Women Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology
• Women in Bio

Recognition

• Repeatedly recognized in the IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals
• Repeatedly recognized as a “Next Generation Partner” in the United States by The Legal 500
• Named a “Life Science Star” by LMG Life Sciences 
• Recognized among Top Women of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
• Repeatedly recognized on the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list by The Best Lawyers in America®
• Repeatedly named to the list of Massachusetts Rising Stars by Super Lawyers
• Ranked among the Top 100 Most Active Attorneys in Biotech Patent Prosecution by Patexia, Inc.
• Finalist in the “Patent Strategy Attorney of the Year – Massachusetts” category at the LMG Life Sciences Americas Awards 2023
• Phi Beta Kappa
• Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award

Interests

Heather enjoys boxing, biking, traveling, cooking, and bubble tea excursions with her son.