Foley Gardere Adds Technology Transactional Partner to Dallas Office

Foley Gardere announced today that Dr. Guy Birkenmeier has joined the firm’s Technology Transactions & Outsourcing Practice as a partner in the Dallas office. He joins from Baker & McKenzie, where he was a partner in the intellectual property practice group.

Dr. Birkenmeier advises a diverse range of clients, from universities, to Fortune 500 companies, to energy start-ups on the various IP considerations involved in technology transactions, particularly those in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors. He provides counsel on asset evaluation, licensing, acquisition and sales, and is regularly brought in to guide clients throughout the entire lifecycle of a transaction. Dr. Birkenmeier spent over ten years as a microscopy, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry and plant physiology researcher before becoming a lawyer, and holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Washington State University.

“Guy brings insight to his clients that only someone with his extensive knowledge of the life sciences, biotech and pharma sectors can provide,” said James Kalyvas, chair of the firm’s Technology Transactions & Outsourcing Practice Group. “Our group has a deep understanding of the legal, business and technical factors necessary to guide our clients through the strategy, planning, and execution of their technology initiatives and transactions. Guy’s addition immediately furthers that depth.”

Dr. Birkenmeier frequently operates alongside both domestic and global clients, offering guidance related to asset growth and management, operational freedom, and third-party patent evaluation strategies. His past work includes the defense of a Fortune 500 food company’s key patents against ex parte reexamination, providing portfolio counsel for a biotechnology organization in relation to its multi-million dollar IPO on NASDAQ, and advising an international health care entity on its acquisition of an immuno-oncology business.

“Texas is home to companies ranging from early-stage startups to international organizations, and nearly all of them have embraced the tech-centric mindset that drove the tech boom here in the early 2000s,” said Michael Newman, managing partner of Foley Gardere’s Dallas office. “Guy’s unique background as both a researcher and lawyer, combined with his understanding of the local and national markets, will make him an immediately sought-after advisor. We are excited to welcome him to the Foley Gardere team.”