Troutman Sanders LLP announced today that David L. Devernoe has joined the firm’s Intellectual Property practice as a partner in San Diego, California. He is joined by associate Christopher Franich. Both lawyers previously practiced together at Gordon & Rees.

Devernoe has a multifaceted intellectual property practice, including complex patent administrative proceedings, patent prosecution, intellectual property counseling, patent licensing, and patent litigation. He brings extensive experience advising clients ranging from start-ups to multi-national companies in various areas, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, information technology, and diagnostics. Devernoe’s background includes positions with Hologic (formerly Gen-Probe), a molecular diagnostics corporation, as Senior Patent Counsel, and with Sidley Austin and Morrison & Foerster.

“David is a great addition to the firm,” said Bill Withrow, chair of the firm’s Litigation department. “His law firm and in-house counsel experience advising life sciences companies on complex intellectual property issues further strengthens our expanding multi-disciplinary practice serving clients in this industry.”

“We are very pleased that David has joined our San Diego office,” said Mike Whitton, managing partner of the firm’s San Diego office. “His deep technical background and industry knowledge will enhance the firm’s representation of established and emerging companies on the West Coast on intellectual property matters.”

Devernoe graduated with a J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 2001. He graduated with a B.S. in biology from Union College in 1995.

“Troutman Sanders is a great fit for my practice,” said Devernoe. “The depth and breadth of the firm’s intellectual property and other experience that aligns with my practice, and my clients’ diverse business needs, is of strategic benefit. I look forward to contributing to the continued expansion of the firm’s IP and life sciences practices.”

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