Krista Vink Venegas, Ph.D.

With 20 years of IP experience, Krista strategically counsels life sciences clients at the intersection of IP, regulatory, and antitrust issues. She also regularly conducts IP due diligence analysis and advises on IP agreements in the context of life sciences portfolio acquisitions, corporate mergers, and private equity investments.

Prior to joining Morgan Lewis, Krista was a partner in the IP practice of another global law firm, where she was a member of its life sciences steering committee, pro bono committee, litigation training committee, diversity committee, and recruiting committee.

Previously, Krista conducted research at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology, using a multidisciplinary approach (molecular biology, cellular biology, physiology, anatomy, and behavior) to study gene expression and regulation of neuropeptides by hormones in the brain. Krista applies her multidisciplinary degree to our high-tech clients working in industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, dental products, computer systems, and other consumer products. 

• Conducted litigation evaluations and trials relating to a variety of life sciences technologies comprising brand and generic pharmaceuticals, including biologics and small molecules (such as Hatch-Waxman cases relating to injectable, oral dosage, and topical dosage forms); medical devices (such as orthopedic implants, stents, and resorbable cosmetic implants); and medical imaging (such as ultrasound, neuronavigation, and proton beam therapy systems)
  • Biomet, Inc. v. Bonutti Skeletal, Inc., N.D. Ind., 13-cv-176-JVB-CAN: A patent infringement action involving spine, hip, and knee implants, in which the defendant was accused of infringing 20 patents to devices and methods of using the same (technical lead on spine and hip allegations)
  • Pfizer & UCB Pharma v. Sandoz, Inc., et al., D. Del., 13-cv-1111: Lead counsel in a patent infringement action related to prodrug compounds used to treat urinary incontinence, including noninfringement and invalidity defenses 
  • Pfizer, Inc., et al. v. Sandoz, Inc., et al., D. Del., 12-cv-808: A patent infringement action related to modified salt forms of compounds used to treat depression, including noninfringement and invalidity defenses (case settled in pretrial phase)
  • Galderma v. Tolmar, Inc., et al., D. Del., 10-cv-045: Successfully defended a jury trial in a five-patent case relating to the treatment of acne using increased dosages of adapalene in topical formulations; patents were invalidated as obvious on appeal
  • Galderma v. Tolmar, Inc., N.D. Tex., 09-cv-400: Two patent cases relating to treatment for rosacea using metronidazole in betacyclodextran formulations, including noninfringement and invalidity defenses, as well as antitrust counterclaims (case settled in pretrial phase)
• Conducted due diligence analysis of IP assets in corporate life sciences investments and acquisitions, including evaluation of assets in the midst of litigation and post-grant challenges
• Conducted litigation and risk-management evaluations for clients in other highly regulated industries, including recreational products
  • Team Worldwide v. Walmart, et al., E.D. Tex., 17-cv-235: Lead counsel for supplier Bestway in three patent infringement actions relating to airbeds with built-in pump technology, and related inter partes review (IPR) post-grant proceedings
  • Intex v. Bestway, C.D. Cal., 16-3300, 3483, 3950: Lead counsel in multiple patent infringement actions relating to inflatable product technologies, and related IPR and post-grant proceedings

Pro Bono Representations

• Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Inc.
  • Settlement Assistance Program: Successfully settled several inmate pro se civil rights cases with the Illinois State's Attorney and Attorney General's Offices following mediation facilitated by local magistrate judges
  • Election Protection: Election monitor for the nation’s largest nonpartisan voter protection coalition
• Family Defense Center, State of Illinois v. Corona and Morales (Lake Cty. Cir. Ct., Case No. 13 MR 881): Successfully appealed administrative law judge's determination and expunged a medical neglect indication on behalf of a non-English-speaking family, stemming from their young son's ER visits