Margaret J. McLaren, Ph.D.
areas of practice
Intellectual Property Acquisition, Licensing & Counseling
education
University of Miami School of Law, J.D. cum laude
McGill University, Ph.D. Dean’s List
McGill University, M.Sc.
University of Toronto, B.Sc.
admitted to practice
Florida; District of Columbia; United States Patent and Trademark Office
biography
Dr. McLaren focuses her practice in the Life Sciences and Biotechnology industries. Combining the knowledge of a seasoned academic researcher, the experience of a technology-business entrepreneur, and the skills gained over years of practice in intellectual property and business law, Dr. McLaren brings a unique perspective to her position as founder of the Life Sciences practice group at the firm. As a lawyer-scientist, Dr. McLaren recognizes that the key to creating value for clients is an in-depth understanding of a company’s technology paired with an appreciation of the client’s business goals and needs.
In her role as a registered patent attorney, Dr. McLaren works extensively with inventors to create individualized patent applications in such diverse fields as molecular biology, cellular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, medical treatments, medical devices, diagnostics, research tools, processes, and mechanical devices. She has represented a wide variety of clients ranging from individual inventors and start-up companies to universities, biotechnology companies, and large pharmaceutical companies. Dr. McLaren has successfully prosecuted applications before examiners at the United States Patent & Trademark Office and supervised foreign counterpart filings around the world.
Dr. McLaren also counsels clients on strategies for obtaining various forms of intellectual property protection including trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, and provides advice regarding contractual rights needed for the growth and protection of company assets, especially in the Life Sciences and Biotechnology industries. Her practice also includes rendering opinions of patentability, patent infringement, and patent validity.
Prior to forming the Life Sciences practice group at CRGP, Dr. McLaren practiced biotechnology law in the Intellectual Property group of Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge, a national law firm, and previously in the Intellectual Property group at Akerman Senterfitt, a large Florida law firm. Dr. McLaren’s legal practice was preceded by an extensive scientific career, highlights of which include a post-doctoral fellowship and subsequent medical faculty position at the University of Toronto, Canada (1980-86), and medical faculty positions at McMaster University, Canada (1986-90) and the University of Miami, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (1990-1996). Dr. McLaren has also founded two biotechnology companies, has served as a consultant to the ophthalmic pharmaceutical industry, as well as a reviewer for peer-reviewed research grant applications and publications in scientific journals.
publications & presentations
An enthusiastic promoter of translational medicine initiatives, Dr. McLaren has presented seminars on patenting issues at major scientific conventions, universities, and start-up biotech companies. Recently, she co-authored “Trolling for Dollars,” Daily Business Review, July 25, 2006. Her scientific work was recognized in Who’s Who in Science and Engineering 4th edition (1998-99), and she is an author of over 25 scientific journal articles dating from 1979 to 2006.
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Contact
Tel. 305.372.7474
Fax 305.372.7475
mmclaren@crgplaw.com
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