Steven J. Penner, J.D., Ph.D., joined the firm in 2002. Dr. Penner has significant biotechnology professional experience in corporate biomedical research and product development with emphasis on a variety of allergy, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulatory (including vaccine) technologies. His expertise includes drug and biological therapeutics, diagnostics, and vaccines for human and animal applications. He has additional perspective based on experience in industrial regulatory issues gained as a clinical trials coordinator for FDA and USDA products. Dr. Penner completed law school at the University of Colorado and has a doctorate in Microbiology and Immunology (thesis work in immunology) and Master’s degree from the University of Michigan. His undergraduate degree is in Microbiology from Iowa State University. Dr. Penner performs legal and technology searches; provides patentability, validity, and infringement opinions; and prepares/prosecutes patent applications in various technology fields such as human and veterinary biomedical innovations, molecular biology and proteomics, diagnostics, and medical/mechanical devices. His business-oriented practice includes corporate counsel in strategic business planning and portfolio evaluations. He performs IP landscape and due diligence assessments and freedom to operate opinions. Dr. Penner also has experience in licensing and transactional work involving intellectual property rights and conducts trademark practice.