Karen G Potter, Ph.D.
Karen Potter, Ph.D., J.D., is a nationally recognized patent attorney and leader of Morrison Foerster’s Cell and Gene Therapy Patent practice in San Diego, California. With over 20 years of experience in life sciences intellectual property law, Karen specializes in patent strategy, prosecution, and portfolio management for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
Karen’s technical background in cellular and molecular biology and immunology uniquely positions her as a trusted advisor for innovators in:
- Cell and gene therapies (including T cell, Natural Killer cell, stem cell, gene-based, and epigenetic therapies)
- Immunotherapies (antibody and protein-based therapies)
- Virus and vaccine therapies
- Companion diagnostics and diagnostic assays
- Protein therapeutics and bioassays
Karen leads and mentors a multidisciplinary team of patent attorneys, agents, and scientific analysts, delivering strategic and comprehensive intellectual property services. Her practice includes:
- U.S. and international patent preparation and prosecution
- Patent portfolio development and management
- Patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses
- Patent term extension strategies
- Due diligence for investors and M&A transactions
- Strategic counseling for startups, emerging, and established life sciences companies
Karen is widely recognized for her ability to deliver pragmatic, creative patent solutions tailored to the unique needs of life sciences clients. She has been honored by publications for her leadership and innovative approach in biotechnology patent law.
Before her legal career, Karen completed postdoctoral research at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology and earned her Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology from Duke University. Her scientific research has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals and presented at national conferences.
Experience
Alpine Immune Sciences
Alpine Immune Sciences in IP matters related to its immunomodulatory fusion proteins, including its acquisition by Vertex Pharmaceuticals for $4.9 billion, a $1.5 billion deal with Horizon Therapeutics, and an $865 million deal with AbbVie.
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), and subsidiaries Juno Therapeutics, Inc. and Celgene Corporation
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), and subsidiaries Juno Therapeutics, Inc. and Celgene Corporation, in IP matters related to their cell therapy products, including in support of BMS’s $74 billion acquisition of Celgene Corporation and Celgene Corporation’s $9 billion acquisition of Juno Therapeutics.
CureCMT4J/Talia Duff Foundation
Pro bono support of CureCMT4J/Talia Duff Foundation in IP matters in support of research and development of a therapy for Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 4J.
Dynavax
Dynavax in IP matters related to its development and commercialization of innovative vaccines, including HEPLISAV-B and its advancing pipeline that leverage its CpG 1018® adjuvant.
FAM177A1 Research Fund
Pro bono support of FAM177A1 Research Fund in IP matters in support of research and development of a therapy for disorders related to pathogenic variants of the FAM177A1 gene.
General Catalyst
General Catalyst in IP due diligence related to its Series A investment in Georgiamune, a clinical stage biotechnology company founded to bring potentially life-saving immunotherapy to cancer and autoimmune patients.
Indapta Therapeutics
Indapta Therapeutics in IP matters related to its NK cell therapy product for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases, including in support of its $50 million Series A financing.
Inhibrx Biosciences
Inhibrx Biosciences in IP matters related to its sdAb platform and multispecific antibody formats.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Pro bono diligence for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of potential grantees to support MS research.
Rakuten Medical
Rakuten Medical in IP matters related to its innovative cell targeting photoimmunotherapy and related series financings.
Sana Biotechnology
Sana Biotechnology in IP matters related to its fusosome and allogeneic cell products, including in support of its $587.5 million IPO.
Telegraph Hill Partners
Telegraph Hill Partners in IP due diligence and negotiations related to forming EditCo Bio, Inc. based on its acquisition of Synthego technology.
Turnstone Biologics
Turnstone Biologics in IP matters related to its T lymphocyte infiltrating therapy following its acquisition of client Myst Therapeutics, including in support of its IPO.
Tune Therapeutics
Tune Therapeutics in IP matters in support of its first-in-class investigational product candidate for treating Hepatitis B infection and its other epigenetic technologies, including in connection with the completion of its over $175 million Series B financing.
Umoja Biopharma
Umoja Biopharma in IP matters related to its in vivo CAR T cell therapies and other innovative cell therapies, including matters related to its $100 million Series C financing.
Rankings
Recommended for Intellectual Property: Patents: Prosecution
The Legal 500 US 2023-2025
Recommended for Healthcare: Life Sciences
The Legal 500 US 2025
Ranked for Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation in California
Chambers USA 2025
Shortlisted: Life Sciences Lawyer of the Year (2025) and Patent Lawyer of the Year (2023, 2024)
Euromoney Women in Business Law Americas Awards
Life Sciences Star: Patent Prosecution, Patent Strategy & Management
LMG Life Sciences 2023