Deborah H. Yellin

Debbie has extensive experience in post-grant proceedings, including those that accompany Hatch-Waxman and BPCIA cases.  She helped secure the first successful IPR challenge filed by generics makers, in an IPR before the PTAB and Federal Circuit, challenging a formulation patent on the multiple sclerosis drug Gilenya®, and has secured other victories including in IPRs relating to patents on Neulasta® and Neupogen®.

Debbie has a diverse range of experience in patent law, including preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the chemical, medical device and pharmaceuticals areas; providing infringement and validity opinions; conducting due diligence and patent landscape analyses; counseling in litigation and post-grant proceedings, including pharmaceutical litigation arising under the Hatch-Waxman Act; and participating in inter partes interferences. She is experienced in preparing Patent Term Extensions under the Hatch-Waxman Act for both drugs and medical devices, and counseling clients in related issues. 

Her practice involves assisting both large and small clients with the creation and implementation of intellectual property protection and procurement programs. She works with clients to develop creative solutions to managing intellectual property assets. Ms. Yellin counsels clients regarding domestic and foreign patent filings and provides world-wide patent portfolio oversight.

Debbie has experience with a wide range of chemical and pharmaceutical technologies, including polymers, small molecules and new chemical entities, formulations, research tools, adhesives, catalysts, lignins, lubricants, cosmetics, pesticides and herbicides, chemical processes, adhesives, concrete, coatings, nanomaterials, biologics, recombinant technologies, and drug delivery technologies. She has particular experience in plant biotechnology. Prior to attending law school, she worked in the laboratory. Some of her research projects include studies of the molecular biology of reproduction and the role of dihydrotestosterone in prostate cancer. 

She is admitted to the District of Columbia Bar, the Virginia State Bar and is registered to practice before the United States Patent & Trademark Office. She teaches at the Food and Drug Law Institute’s Introduction to US Drug Law and Regulation program.