Philip J. Hamzik, PhD

Overview

Phil Hamzik counsels pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients on patent strategy and related IP matters. From protecting key platform technologies to advising on drug product lifecycle management, Phil works closely with clients to develop and implement IP strategies aligned with their discovery programs and clinical development pipelines.

In addition to global patent prosecution and portfolio management, Phil provides strategic advice related to competitive landscape, freedom to operate, and validity/invalidity. Defending and conducting IP due diligence is also a significant focus of his practice.

Phil works with a diverse range of clients at all stages of business, including mid-size to large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, start-ups, universities, and research institutes. He also works with venture capital and corporate business development, assisting with IP due diligence of target biopharma companies and assets.

As a trained medicinal chemist, Phil brings years of scientific experience to his IP practice. His significant academic and industry experience, combined with over a decade of experience in the IP profession, helps him effectively collaborate with scientists, in-house counsel, and business leaders alike.

Prior to joining Wolf Greenfield, Phil obtained his PhD in Organic Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a BS in Chemistry and Philosophy from Northeastern University. Phil has also worked for two leading pharmaceutical companies in drug discovery.

Experience

• Built and managed US and international patent portfolios protecting therapeutic products, including large global patent portfolios covering clinical candidates and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved products
• Developed and implemented strategies for drug product lifecycle management, including protection of pharmaceutical formulations, solid forms, dosing regimens, combination therapies, and process methods
• Advised clients on strategies for maximizing exclusivity for therapeutic products, including preparing Patent Term Extension (PTE) Applications for Orange Book-listed patents
• Implemented patent portfolio strategies addressing Patent Term Adjustment (PTA), double patenting, and other exclusivity-related concerns
• Counseled clients on third-party IP risks including competitive landscape, freedom to operate, and infringement
• Developed validity, invalidity, and non-infringement positions with respect to third-party patents and prepared Opinions regarding same
• Defended and conducted IP due diligence of complex patent portfolios, target companies, and therapeutic assets

Activities

• Board of Directors, The Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association
• Steering Committee, Out in IP
• Member, The National LGBTQ+ Bar Association
• Member, Boston Intellectual Property Law Association (BIPLA)
• Member, Boston Bar Association (BBA)
• Member, American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
• Co-Chair, Greater Boston Legal Services Associates Fund Drive (2024-2025)
• Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (2022 Pathfinder)

Recognition

• Recognized on the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list by The Best Lawyers in America® (2026)
• Recognized among World IP Review Diversity’s Top 100 People in IP (2024-2025)
• Named to the list of Massachusetts Rising Stars by Super Lawyers (2023-2025)
• Recognized among Youtube and Involve’s 2024 Top 100 Future Leaders
• Named Leading IP Practitioner by World IP Review (2024)