Jon Cousin

Jon focuses on developing and executing worldwide patent strategies for life sciences and pharmaceutical companies. He concentrates on building robust patent portfolios to protect pharmaceutical products and build value, which includes advising clients on portfolio creation, life cycle extension and strategic acquisitions, using clinical trials to develop new patentable inventions, integrating patent and regulatory exclusivities, and advising on Orange Book listing strategies. Notable patent portfolios Jon has worked on include Epidiolex, Copiktra, Farydak, Arikayce, Amrix and Evekeo ODT, as well as numerous candidates in clinical trials.

Jon has significant experience conducting patentability, invalidity, freedom-to-operate and noninfringement analyses, along with conducting due diligence for early-, mid- and late-stage fundraisings, public offerings, acquisitions and dispositions. He has counselled clients in a variety of technologies, including small molecule and peptide drug discovery programs, polymorphs, pharmaceutical formulations, repurposing known drugs, natural products, clinical trial inventions, companion diagnostics, biomaterials, biotechnologies, purification processes and food additives. He represents clients of all sizes and at all stages of development, including university spinouts, emerging companies, specialty pharma and publicly traded companies. 

Knowing he wanted to counsel cutting-edge pharmaceutical companies, Jon pursued a PhD in organic chemistry after earning his JD. While in graduate school, Jon was in-house patent counsel at Montana State University’s Technology Transfer Office – a Cooley client – where he assisted on patent drafting and licensing efforts. He leverages this experience to provide business-focused patent counseling.

Speaking engagements

• Co-presenter, “505(b)(2) Applications and Beyond: Prosecution and Litigation Strategies for Filing and Defending Against 505(b)(2) NDAs,” Cooley Rx series, October 2024
• Co-presenter, “Planning for the Future: Aligning Prosecution and Litigation Strategies,” Cooley Rx series, September 2024