Dave Stemerick, J.D.

Senior Corporate Counsel, Intellectual Property

Primary Responsibilities:

Mr. Stemerick is responsible for managing the intellectual property group at Takeda San Diego (TSD). In addition to management responsibilities, Mr. Stemerick oversees programs and develops and executes exclusivity strategies.

Experience:

Mr. Stemerick has worked in the pharmaceutical industry since 1979. He began his diverse career as a medicinal chemist, eventually making the transition to law in 1993. Mr. Stemerick has practiced patent law in a variety of capacities, including patent preparation and prosecution of patent applications; opinions and strategic guidance on infringement, patentability, and clearance matters; and patent enforcement in the US and around the world. Prior to joining TSD, Mr. Stemerick was Associate General Patent Counsel at Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) where his responsibilities included U.S. Hatch-Waxman litigation and global patent enforcement. Also during his time at Lilly, he gained extensive experience in the development and execution of exclusivity strategies. Before that, Mr. Stemerick was Senior Patent Attorney at Hoechst Marion Roussel (now Sanofi-aventis) where he was responsible for the preparation and prosecution of patent applications and development of patent strategies for maximizing the value of the generic product pipeline of Chelsea Laboratories/Rugby Inc. Prior making the transition to law, Mr. Stemerick carried out research as a medicinal chemist at Hoechst Marion Roussel’s predecessor companies.

Education:

• M.S. in Chemistry from University of Cincinnati
• Juris Doctorate from Northern Kentucky University, Salmon P. Chase College of Law

Boards/Committees/Organizations:

• American Intellectual Property Law Association

Accomplishments/Awards:

Mr. Stemerick aided in the successful defense of the patent estate for Zyprexa® – a best in class drug used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar depression. Mr. Stemerick has also co-authored approximately 30 scientific manuscripts and abstracts and is an inventor or co-inventor on 13 issued U.S. patents.

In my own words:

• Aspirations for the Group I Lead:

  • I want my group to be known for very solid team support and counsel and robust patent procurement.

• Why I Chose My Profession:

  • Early in my career it seemed that my Master of Science degree was a limitation. No matter how hard I worked or how much good science I produced there was nearly no potential for an M.S. scientist to gain greater responsibility. I became increasingly frustrated with that circumstance. As I considered my career options I was offered an opportunity to study law and participate in a patent apprenticeship program. I jumped in it with two feet and haven’t looked back. Patent law sits at an interface of law and technology, and with my background in chemistry, I’m uniquely situated to navigate that interface.

• Favorite Quote:
  • Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding. — Mohandas Gandhi