Cooley Godward Expands Intellectual Property Litigation and Life Sciences Practice Areas in Washington, D.C.

Cooley Godward LLP announced today that Thomas F. Poché has joined the Firm as a partner in its intellectual property litigation and patent prosecution practice. Dr. Poché is experienced in all areas of patent practice pertaining to life sciences, and his particular focus has been patent litigation. He is resident in Cooley's Washington, D.C. office.

"Tom has tremendous expertise as a life sciences IP litigator," said Frank Pietrantonio, partner in charge of Cooley's firm wide intellectual property practice. "The addition of Tom significantly broadens and deepens Cooley's life sciences litigation capability."

Dr. Poché was previously a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Connolly Bove Lodge & Hutz LLP. Prior to that he specialized in intellectual property litigation at Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP in Washington, D.C. and Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Chicago.

"We are pleased to have a first rate litigator working closely with our large and experienced life sciences patent counseling team," said Dr. Erich Veitenheimer, a partner in Cooley's life sciences patent practice. "This highly integrated approach allows us to better advise our clients regarding the challenges and opportunities they encounter in further developing and protecting their patent estates."

Dr. Poché graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1985 with a B.A. in chemistry. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in biochemistry and molecular biology in 1992. Before entering law school, he worked as a graduate student and post-doctoral researcher studying the developmental regulation of mammalian gene expression. In 1995, he graduated from Boston University Law School magna cum laude. Dr. Poché is admitted to practice in Illinois and Washington, D.C. He is also registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

About Cooley Godward

Cooley Godward is an established provider of strategic litigation and business transaction services and a recognized leader in the representation of high-growth private and public companies, financial institutions, venture capital firms and nonprofit organizations. Our singular focus on providing the highest quality legal services has enabled our clients to achieve their strategic business objectives and garnered for Cooley recognition as one of the country's leading law firms.

Cooley was named to The American Lawyer magazine's 2005 "A-List," the publication's annual ranking of "the best of the best" among the nation's top law firms. For additional information please visit www.cooley.com .

Media Contact: Emily Foley Cooley Godward LLP (650) 843-5383 efoley@cooley.com