Lou Lieto, Partner, Wilson Sonsini
Dr. Louis D. Lieto is the leader of the patents and innovations department at Wilson Sonsini and is a partner in the firm’s Boston and Washington, D.C., offices. Lou advises biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies on strategic patent counseling, global patent portfolio development and management, and IP counseling for M&A and capital markets in complex life science fields. Drawing from decades of experience, Lou works with innovators engaged in highly technical fields, including CRISPR, cell therapy, immunotherapeutics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, stem cells, biofuels, regenerative medicine, and transgenic animals. Prior to joining the firm, Lou was a patent examiner at the USPTO. One of Lou’s main areas of expertise lies in crafting and executing IP strategies for companies with drugs in active clinical trials. He has worked with multiple firms like Aileron Therapeutics, Curemark, Gadeta B.V., BioNTech, Myeloid Therapeutics, Stoke Therapeutics, and TCR2 Therapeutics, guiding them through complex patent landscapes. In addition, Lou provides extensive representation for investors and companies in financings and M&A. He has supported various venture and investment funds, including Anterra Capital, Apple Tree Partners, F-Prime Capital, Flagship Pioneering, Newpath Partners, Novo Ventures, Oxford Science Innovation, RTW Investments, Samsara Biocapital, SR One, UPMC Enterprises, Venrock, and Vida Ventures in IP diligence matters. Furthermore, he has advised numerous companies such as Aileron Therapeutics, Beam Therapeutics, BioNtech, Cargo Therapeutics, Graphite Bio, Neon Therapeutics, Precigen, and Prime Medicine on IP matters related to their public offerings. Also worth noting is his role in facilitating successful acquisitions for numerous companies, including B-Mogen Biotechnologies, CellPoint, Delinia, Future Health Works, Midori, MiroBio, Neon Therapeutics, NeuroCycle Therapeutics, and Totient.
