Our People
Matthew Pavao, Ph.D.

Matthew Pavao, Ph.D.

617-245-5802
MPavao@fenwick.com
Partner
Intellectual Property
Office

Boston

Matthew
Pavao, Ph.D.

Matthew
Pavao, Ph.D.

Matthew
Pavao, Ph.D.

Partner
Intellectual Property
Office

Boston

Industries
Education & Admissions

J.D., Suffolk University School of Law

Ph.D., Biochemistry
Boston University School of Medicine

M.A., Boston University

B.S., Biology
University of Massachusetts

Admitted to practice in Massachusetts

Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Matt is a trusted adviser to biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, guiding them through complex IP matters and market exclusivity strategies to drive business success. With more than two decades of experience, he counsels public and private companies, including early- and mid-stage companies, on developing and leveraging their IP portfolios for financings, licensing and partnering opportunities, IPOs, and M&A.

I help companies take a strategic, long-term view of their IP, ensuring they not only protect innovation but also position their portfolios to drive business success.”

Matthew Pavao

Known for his proactive and business-focused approach, Matt develops strategic, cost-effective patent portfolios that enhance market exclusivity and position companies for growth. He has deep experience guiding emerging biotech companies through IP strategies that support capital transactions, partnerships, and successful commercialization.

Matt leads investor- and company-side IP due diligence for financings, licensing transactions, public offerings, and M&A, and advises on third-party IP risks, patent landscapes, freedom-to-operate analyses, and counteroffensive patent strategies. He also represents clients in post-grant and opposition proceedings and works closely with litigation counsel to advance strategic IP solutions.

Matt’s practice spans a broad spectrum of technologies, including cell and gene therapies, genome editing, next-generation sequencing, small molecule pharmaceuticals, drug delivery systems, and medical devices. He has particularly experience with CAR-T and T cell receptor (TCR) cell therapies, AAV-based gene therapies, CRISPR gene editing, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), lipid nanoparticle drug delivery systems, single-cell sequencing, liquid biopsy methods, and oncology therapeutics.

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