With a Ph.D. in molecular biology and genetics, and an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, one of Melanie’s essential differentiators as a litigator is her ability to understand her client’s technology at a sophisticated level, and to distill those complex technical issues into compelling arguments before a judge or jury.

Melanie co-leads Fenwick’s life sciences practice group. Her practice encompasses intellectual property litigation and dispute resolution, including patent infringement and licensing disputes.

Recognized by IAM Patent 1000 as a top patent litigator, Melanie has led cases involving a range of technologies—from biotechnology to e-commerce and high-performance computing systems—for some of the world’s most innovative companies. She is particularly well-versed in life sciences matters, including those related to pharmaceuticals, medical devices, enzyme variants, polymers, and drug screening and delivery platforms.

Melanie has a strong record of success in the courtroom, including landmark cases such as representing Cray in a venue decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, setting forth the standard for determining what constitutes a “regular and established place of business” under 28 U.S.C. § 1400(b).