Leslie Kushner, Ph.D
Leslie Kushner, Ph.DPartner
New York
lkushner@oreillyip.com
212 540 0648

Highlights

Dr. Leslie Kushner is one of the most accomplished scientists practicing in the intellectual property space today.  Not only is she an accomplished intellectual property lawyer who regularly leads teams of lawyers on major litigations and deals, before practicing law, she spent over 20 years leading a research laboratory at a major metropolitan medical center.  While leading that lab, Dr. Kushner performed and supervised biochemical and molecular biological research, received numerous grants, authored over 20 scientific publications, and secured several patents.  Whether leading a scientific lab or a legal team, Dr. Kushner brings the same skills to bear: a fierce intellectual acumen; strong leadership; and a desire to break new ground.  

Because of Dr. Kushner’s extensive experience in small-molecule pharmaceuticals, antibodies, cytokines, oligonucleotides, siRNA, and enzyme inhibitors, she is regularly called upon to handle related litigations, investigations, and license agreements.  Her scientific expertise allows her to communicate with clients, experts, and fact finders more effectively.

Dr. Kushner’s legal experience does not end with life science, however.  She also regularly handles all types of intellectual property issues.  She has handled disputes and investigations related to diagnostic, and medical device matters automotive parts, food, toy and gaming industries.  She has also litigated all types of intellectual property cases including trade secret cases in several industries, trademark, and unfair competition cases.

Education:

  • J.D., Fordham University School of Law, 2009
  • Ph.D., City University of New York, 1985, Biochemistry
  • B.A., New York University, 1976, Biology & Philosophy
  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  • Southern/Eastern Districts of New York
  • District of New Jersey
  • State of New York
  • State of New Jersey
  • Lawyer Monthly Women in Law Award, 2018;
  • New York Metro SuperLawyers Rising Star, 2014-2019;
  • Pro Bono Publico Award, The Legal Aid Society, 2011, 2012, 2014;
  • Pro Bono All-Star, Holland & Knight, 2017.
  • Sesaco v. Equinom: Litigation involving misappropriation of trade secrets and patents covering sesame seed
  • RCT v. Eli Lilly: Litigation involving misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of license of patent rights and technology covering yeast expression system, and unjust enrichment
  • UCB v. Tris Pharma, Inc.: Litigation involving misappropriation of trade secrets (antitussive formulation) and breach of non-compete agreement
  • Alternatives Unlimited v. EdisonLearning: Litigation involving misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contract involving an educational partnership
  • Supernus v. Actavis: Litigation on patent covering extended release oxcarbazapine used to treat seizures
  • Eli Lilly v. Dr. Reddy’s: Litigation on patent covering method of administration of pemetrexed disodium to treat lung cancer
  • BoneCare (Genzyme) v. Penntech: Litigation on patent covering vitamin D analog used to treat end stage renal disease
  • Johns Hopkins University v. Biocon (IPR): Dispute regarding patent covering chimeric fusion protein