John E. Conour helps biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients – from global companies to startups to research institutions – protect their innovations by building robust patent portfolios and combating infringement through litigation.

Drawing on his doctorate work in molecular and cellular biology, Dr. Conour adds scientific rigor to the legal counsel he provides clients. Dr. Conour specializes in developing IP protection strategies for immuno-oncology innovations, specifically those related to drug chemistry, antibodies, and imaging. His technical expertise includes molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, diagnostics, biosensor design, bioinformatics, microbiology, animal models, histochemistry, cell culture, and surface chemistries. Dr. Conour also has expertise in drug repurposing and guides companies and clinicians on the best ways to protect IP rights related to using existing therapeutics for new indications.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters. He is also a national-level ultimate frisbee athlete and the lead guitarist in a Chicago-based band.

• Developed and managed antibody patent portfolios for multiple global pharmaceutical companies in the areas of immune-oncology and neuroscience.
• Oversaw, developed, and managed global patent portfolios for research institutions in the areas of tissue engineering, stem cells, diagnostics, metabolomics, metabolic diseases cancer, neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases, biosensors, imaging, and women’s health.
• Secured IP protection for drugs repurposed for new indications in the areas of neuroscience, schizophrenia, cancer, pharmaceutical design, and immunology.
• Developed and managed global patent portfolios for an industry-leading producer of flavors, fragrances, nutraceuticals, pest repellents, and pesticides.

Co-author. Engineering Redox-Sensitive Linkers for Genetically Encoded FRET-Based Biosensors. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2008; 233(2):238-248.

Co-author. Regiospecific control of protein expression in cells cultured on two-component counter gradients of extracellular matrix proteins. Langmuir 2005; 21:3061-3068.

J. E. Conour, et al. A combined in vitro/bioinformatic investigation of redox regulatory mechanisms governing cell cycle progression. Physiol Genomics 2004; 18:196-205.

J. E. Conour, et al. Acidomucin goblet cell expansion induced by parenteral nutrition in the small intestine of piglets. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2002; 283:1185-1196.