Simone Visosky Ward, Ph.D., J.D.

Simone Visosky Ward, Ph.D., J.D. has extensive experience in the field of intellectual property law, specifically focusing on patent matters related to biological sciences.

Simone Visosky'smost recent position was as the Executive Legal, Intellectual Property Counsel at Arcturus Therapeutics, where they were responsible for handling all patent matters related to RNA vaccines, mRNA, and siRNA delivered as lipid nanoparticles. Simone Visosky developed and executed IP strategies for RNA vaccine and mRNA programs in infectious diseases, gene editing, and rare diseases. Simone also drafted patent applications and directed domestic and foreign patent prosecution.

Prior to that, they worked as the Senior IP Counsel - Life Sciences at Arcturus Therapeutics and as a Life Sciences Patent Attorney. At these roles, they gained experience in patent prosecution, patent portfolio enforceability analysis, and supporting patent litigation.

Simone also has experience working at DLA Piper as an Associate Attorney, where they drafted and prosecuted patent applications and supported patent litigation as a member of the litigation team.

At Knobbe Martens, they worked as an Associate Attorney, drafting and prosecuting patent applications, contributing to patent landscape analyses and IP due diligence, and assisting with trademark applications and prosecution.

Earlier in their career, Simone worked at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati as a Patent Agent, where they handled biotechnology patent prosecution and provided scientific expertise in gene therapy, viral vectors, and stem cells. Simone Visosky also performed freedom to operate and IP due diligence analyses for M&A and investments.

Simone Visosky gained experience as a Senior Virologist at HJF - Naval Health Research Center, conducting research on virus persistence and viral immunobiology.

Simone's other relevant experiences include working as an IP Practice Specialist & IP Legal Intern at Jones Day, conducting biotechnology patent prosecution and freedom to operate analyses, and monitoring third-party patent portfolios.

Additionally, they worked as a Senior Research Associate at Scripps Research, focusing on virus persistence and viral immunobiology, and as a Scientist III at Paxvax, Inc., where they were involved in the design, construction, and characterization of adenoviral vectors as preclinical vaccine candidates.

Simone Visosky also gained research experience at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and the University of California as a Research Associate, Visiting Scientist, and Postdoctoral Researcher, respectively.

Simone Visosky Ward, Ph.D., J.D. has a diverse range of experience in the field of intellectual property law, with particular expertise in patent prosecution and IP strategy in the field of biological sciences.

Simone Visosky Ward, Ph.D., J.D. obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Sonoma State University. Simone Visosky then pursued graduate studies at UC Santa Barbara, completing a Master of Arts degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, as well as a Ph.D. in the same field of study. Afterwards, Simone attended the University of San Diego School of Law, where they obtained a Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree.

In addition to their education, Simone holds certifications from the State Bar of California, making their a California State Bar Member since December 2018. Simone Visosky is also registered to practice before the USPTO (Reg. #72531), having obtained this certification from the USPTO in May 2014.