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Lee A. Johnson, PhD

Partner

[email protected]

+1.647.499.2630 Toronto

+1.858.314.2158 San Diego

+1.212.692.6858 New York

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Lee is a versatile intellectual property attorney and registered patent agent who advises clients on a broad spectrum of IP matters, from patent prosecution and portfolio management to disputes to transactions. He represents clients across a variety of industries, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and AgTech and FoodTech.

In his multifaceted work for companies and IP innovators, Lee drafts and prosecutes US and international patents, develops patent strategies, and serves in an advisory role to clients facing disputes before courts in the United States and Canada, and the USPTO. Lee also acts on behalf of investors, emerging companies, and transactional IP counsel in licensing and technology transfer arrangements, research collaborations and partnerships, initial public offerings (IPOs), mergers, and acquisitions.

Lee regularly counsels clients at all stages of growth in order to secure funding, develop and protect their IP portfolios, create long-term strategies, and achieve desired business outcomes. He is often a company’s first lawyer and has deep experience working alongside founders to obtain funding, scale the business, and create profitable exit strategies. Lee is embedded in the life sciences ecosystem and has developed strong relationships with investors, strategic partners, universities, and other incubators, and he frequently writes and speaks on how companies can access capital and maximize their assets.

Prior to joining Mintz, Lee was a partner in the Patents & Innovations group of a leading Silicon Valley-based law firm. He started his career practicing IP law with an international firm based in Canada.

Experience

  • Advised Zymeworks on patent issues in connection with its exclusive licensing agreement with Jazz Pharmaceuticals to develop and commercialize zanidatamab, an antibody being studied as a treatment option for biliary tract cancer and gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA).
  • Represented biotechnology company BELLUS Health in IP matters covering diligence through initial public offering and follow-on financing. BELLUS develops novel therapeutics for the treatment of refractory chronic cough and other disorders associated with hypersensitization.
  • Advised molecular testing company ChromaCode on patent matters related to its $10 million Series C financing from Adjuvant Capital, which is backed by health care investors Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the International Finance Corporation, and Novartis, among others.
  • Represented Northern Biologics, a preclinical company focused on therapeutic antibodies targeting the tumor microenvironment, in all patent matters until it was acquired by Boehringer Ingelheim.
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viewpoints

Basics – How an Inventor’s Own Work Affects Patent Applications

December 6, 2023 | Blog | By Peter Hecker, PhD, Lee Johnson, PhD

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Distinguishing Patent Protection from Patient Safety – A Role for the FDA

August 21, 2023 | Blog | By Peter Hecker, PhD, Lee Johnson, PhD

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News & Press

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Mintz proudly announced the election of 13 attorneys to Members and the addition of a record-setting 22 new lateral Members in 2023, with 11 Partners in the newly opened Toronto office. This diverse group strengthens Mintz’s core areas, spanning Commercial and IP Litigation, Life Sciences, Tech, Private Equity, and Energy & Sustainability. The elevated Members and new lateral additions bring invaluable expertise to help clients navigate complex legal landscapes.
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TORONTO – Mintz continues its expansion in Toronto with the addition of Mervyn Allen who joins as a Partner and will launch the firm’s Real Estate practice in Canada.
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Mintz has been recognized by The Globe and Mail as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms for 2024, gaining particular distinction in Private Equity and Investments. This is the first time the firm has been included on this list.
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TORONTO – Mintz is pleased to announce that it has subleased the 28th floor at 200 Bay Street’s South Tower, an iconic pillar of Toronto's Financial District. The firm moved into the nearly 24,000 square feet of space on April 1, 2023.
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The Globe and Mail featured the arrival of Partners Matthew Atkey and Brad Tartick, Special Counsel Bernard Kwasniewski and Of Counsel Matthew Imrie who will join Michael Akkawi, Cheryl Reicin, Mitch Frazer, Eric Foster, and Lee Johnson in the firm's Toronto office.
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The Boston Globe covered the firm's expansion to Toronto and the arrival of the office's founding partners Michael Akkawi, Cheryl Reicin, Mitch Frazer, Eric Foster, and Lee Johnson.
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BOSTON, TORONTO – Mintz is pleased to announce its expansion into Canada with the opening of a Toronto office, launched by a team of highly regarded and industry-leading attorneys. The new office will add depth and breadth to Mintz’s global Life Sciences practice and will further expand the firm’s strong Private Equity, Capital Markets, and Pensions and Employment practices.
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The Deal profiled the firm's Toronto office founding members Michael Akkawi, Cheryl Reicin, Mitch Frazer, Eric Foster, and Lee Johnson who join Mintz to expand the firm's life sciences and private equity practices.
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The Canadian Lawyer featured the launch of Mintz's Toronto office and highlighted the arrival of founding partners Michael Akkawi, Cheryl Reicin, Mitch Frazer, Eric Foster, and Lee Johnson.
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JD Journal covered the firm's new Toronto office and the arrival founding Partners Michael Akkawi, Cheryl Reicin, Mitch Frazer, Eric Foster, and Lee Johnson.
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Mintz's expansion to Toronto and the office's founding Partners Michael Akkawi, Cheryl Reicin, Mitch Frazer, Eric Foster, and Lee Johnson was featured in an article published by The Global Legal Post.
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Law360 covered the opening of Mintz's new Toronto office and profiled founding Partners Michael Akkawi, Cheryl Reicin, Mitch Frazer, Eric Foster, and Lee Johnson.
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The American Lawyer spotlighted the opening of Mintz's Toronto office and the arrival of founding partners Michael Akkawi, Cheryl Reicin, Mitch Frazer, Eric Foster, and Lee Johnson.
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The firm's expansion into the Toronto market and the arrival of founding Partners, Michael Akkawi, Cheryl Reicin, Mitch Frazer, Eric Foster, and Lee Johnson was covered by Reuters.
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The Globe and Mail featured Mintz's expansion into the Canadian legal market and the launch of the firm's Toronto office, with the arrival of Michael Akkawi, Cheryl Reicin, Mitch Frazer, Eric Foster, and Lee Johnson.
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Publications

Co-author, Major Change to European Patent System in 2023 to Impact Patent Owners' Portfolios, IP Litigator (November/December 2022)

Lee Johnson contributed to an overview of the Unitary Patent System (UPS), a major change to the European patent system expected to take effect in the second quarter of 2023 at the earliest. The article also discusses how patent owners can opt out of the new system during a transitional period.

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Involvement

  • Member, Canadian Bar Association
  • Member, Intellectual Property Institute of Canada
  • Plant Biotechnology Subcommittee, American Intellectual Property Law Association
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