Fish & Richardson works with clients in the cutting-edge field of combinatorial chemistry, or parallel synthesis chemistry. Combinatorial chemistry is the technique of making arrays or "combinatorial libraries" containing thousands of distinct compounds with a relatively small number of starting materials. These libraries of compounds can be screened against biological, agricultural, or other targets to identify candidate compounds that have desired properties. Combinatorial chemistry offers the promise of identifying new pharmaceutical compounds more quickly, and Fish & Richardson understands the unique legal challenges that accompany that promise.

Our technical expertise encompasses the variety of disciplines involved in combinatorial chemistry: chemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering, computer software, and robotics. For example, we can easily get up to speed to help clients protect techniques they have developed in the areas of liquid- and solid-phase synthesis, library design, genetic screening, and informatics.

For clients working in the area of combinatorial chemistry, we provide:

IP strategy and planning

• Advice on strategic planning and patent opinions
• Patent infringement opinions
• Clearance/Right-to-Use opinions

• Preparation and prosecution of U.S. and foreign patent applications

• Licensing, development agreements, joint venture agreements, and technology transfer agreements

• Food & Drug Administration advice, as well as advice on dealing with regulatory agencies outside the United States