Catherine M. Polizzi is a partner in the Palo Alto office and Co-Chair of the firmwide Intellectual Property group of Morrison & Foerster LLP. Dr. Polizzi focuses her intellectual property practice on patent law and biotechnology.

Dr. Polizzi has a wide range of experience in patent law and technology, working with small, medium and large companies as well as universities. Dr. Polizzi provides patent portfolio strategic counseling and comprehensive portfolio management for emerging as well as mature life science companies. She is involved in all aspects of patent prosecution and procurement. Dr. Polizzi's practice also includes due diligence evaluation and counseling. Dr. Polizzi provides counseling for intellectual property strategy and implications during all stages of product and project development. Her practice also includes patentability, freedom of operation, infringement, and validity evaluations and opinions. Dr. Polizzi has significant experience in technology transactions, as well as patent litigation and interference.

Dr. Polizzi holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of California, an M.A. in Chemistry from the University of California, and a B.A. with distinction in Chemistry from the University of Mississippi. Dr. Polizzi received a J.D. from Stanford Law School, where she was awarded the Hilmer Oehlmann, Jr. Award for Legal Research and Writing.