Polsinelli Shughart PC is expanding its Science and Technology practice with the addition of shareholder S. Wade Johnson to its Denver office. Johnson, a licensed professional mechanical engineer and patent lawyer, will advise clients on intellectual property and patent law matters with a focus on medical device technology. He plays an active role in the area of medical devices, having drafted, prosecuted, rendered opinions regarding, or assisted in litigation of more than 200 medical device patents and patent applications for Fortune 500 companies, early and late stage startups, and universities.
The Science and Technology practice consists of attorneys in Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Phoenix and St. Louis. They focus on a wide range of issues for entrepreneurs in a variety of areas including clean technology, biotechnology, chemical, food science, pharmaceutical, and medical devices. Many of the lawyers have advanced degrees in biology, chemistry, engineering and microbiology. Prior to graduating from law school, Johnson worked as a licensed professional engineer for eight years.
Johnson is the third patent attorney to join the Denver office, following the addition of Gregory P. Durbin. Last year, the firm expanded its FDA practice by adding former FDA associate chief counsel Jason W. Sapsin. Johnson, Sapsin and Steve Stranne, a physician and lawyer in the firm's D.C. office, will work closely together providing legal services to medical device clients. They will work as a team to help clients develop and implement comprehensive strategies to secure patent protection, FDA clearance, and reimbursement for new and existing medical technologies and clinical services.
Prior to joining Polsinelli Shughart, Johnson was a partner in the Denver office of Dorsey & Whitney LLP. As an engineer, he brings hands-on experience in mechanical and electrical systems to his law practice. He earned his law degree with High Honors from the University of Montana School of Law in 2001 and earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University in 1991.
Johnson is a member of the Intellectual Property Section of the Colorado Bar Association and the American Intellectual Property Law Association.