Michael B. Scher, Ph.D., is a registered patent attorney with hands-on experience in patent and trademark prosecution. Michael also advises on due diligence to ensure his client’s patent is viable and can be monetized for years to come and on intellectual property portfolio management and branding programs. Notably, Michael’s background and understanding of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical fields include personalized therapeutics, genome engineering, immunology, and research tools.

Besides his extensive scientific experience and education, Michael co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications in a wide range of areas, including epigenetics, chromatin structure, post-translational modifications in the regulation of gene expression, and cancer diagnostics.

Michael advises clients involved in cutting-edge biological research. He is skilled at visualizing and connecting subject matter from multiple areas to simplify complex inventions into broad and defensible claims that can withstand competitor scrutiny and infringement later. Michael is dedicated to protecting scientific innovation and safeguarding further scientific development that builds on the innovation, such as in therapeutic processes, diagnostics, and treatments, as well as using the findings in other sectors such as agriculture, food processing, and others.

Ever curious by nature, Michael is a highly skilled and effective problem solver and can identify even the smallest differences and features of client discovery during patent application preparation and prosecution. At the same time, he executes patents quickly without compromising quality or sustainability of ownership.

Before joining JMIN, Michael was an associate at Vedder Price, an NLJ 500 practice.

Before Becoming a Lawyer

Michael obtained his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (formerly UMDNJ-GSBS), where he carried out research in gene regulation, epigenetics, and chromatin biology. Following his Ph.D., Michael worked as a research scientist in the research department of a diagnostic company, which led to a granted U.S. patent and the decision to enter the field of patent law, attending law school in an evening program.

Obtaining his Ph.D. and working as a scientist formed the basis of Michael’s problem-solving skills today. Michael learned to be very resourceful in approaching and overcoming even the most complex situations and obstacles. He learned to focus on understanding every detail of a problem to answer sophisticated scientific questions while working with other experts and analyzing data at the highest levels. He brings this dynamic acuity of thought to his legal practice today, creating tremendous value-added for his clients and colleagues alike.

Outside the Office

A father of two children, Michael enjoys competition — watching and playing sports — after competing in high school varsity tennis and as a four-year member of a nationally ranked lightweight crew team in college. In his free time, Michael can be found supporting his children in their extracurricular activities.

Practice Areas

Education

  • J.D., Rutgers School of Law, 2014
  • Ph.D., Biochemistry, Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Science (formerly UMDNJ), 2007
  • B.S., Biological Sciences, Minor Chemistry, Rutgers University, Cook College, 2000

Admissions

  • United States Patent and Trademark Office
  • New Jersey Bar
  • New York Bar
  • United States District Court, District of New Jersey