Innovation: The Intersection of Biotech, Patent Law, and AI with Dr. Kate Neville, IP Attorney

Recorded October 31, 2025

In this episode of BioTalk Unzipped, Gregory Austin and Dr. Chad Briscoe sit down with Dr. Kate Neville, immunologist turned seasoned biotech patent attorney at Marshall, Gerstein & Borun, to unpack one of the most misunderstood and mission-critical areas of life sciences: intellectual property.

If you are a biotech founder, scientist, executive, or investor, this conversation is essential listening.

We explore what patent prosecution really means, when startups should begin thinking about IP protection, how “freedom to operate” can determine commercial viability, and how emerging AI tools are reshaping the patent landscape.

Dr. Neville brings 25+ years of experience guiding university spin-outs, biotech startups, and global pharmaceutical companies through complex patent strategy. She has helped secure patents for FDA-approved drugs and offers a rare dual perspective as both scientist and attorney.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• The difference between patent prosecution and patent litigation

• Why it is never too early for biotech startups to think about IP

• The U.S. one-year grace period vs. Europe’s stricter disclosure rules

• What “Freedom to Operate” really means for commercialization

• Antibody patents, CDR regions, and the doctrine of equivalents

• How premature disclosure can impact global patent strategy

• The real-world back-and-forth of patent office “office actions”

• AI-assisted prior art search at the USPTO — opportunity or risk?

• How funding cycles influence patent filing decisions

• Women in biotech leadership and venture funding disparities

• The most rewarding part of protecting life-changing therapies

We also break down the USPTO’s new AI pilot programs designed to modernize patent examination and discuss how artificial intelligence may impact biotech patenting over the next several years.

Why This Matters

Intellectual property is often the single most valuable asset in a biotech company.

Strong IP strategy can unlock funding, partnerships, and market exclusivity.

Weak or mistimed IP decisions can permanently limit global opportunity.

For founders and scientists: timing, geography, and disclosure discipline matter more than most people realize.

About Our Guest

Dr. Kate Neville

Partner, Marshall, Gerstein & Borun

PhD in Immunology, JD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-neville-phd/

Firm Bio: https://www.marshallip.com/katherine-l-neville-ph-d/

Charity Highlight: Girls on the Run Chicago

An organization building confidence and resilience in young girls through mentorship and athletic achievement.

https://www.girlsontherun.org/

Hosts

Dr. Chad Briscoe

Bioanalytical Scientific Leader

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadbriscoe/

Gregory Austin

Director, Business Development | Bioanalysis

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryaustin1/

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