Christopher M. Pepe

Christopher M. Pepe is a patent litigation partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, based in Washington, D.C., specializing in complex intellectual property disputes. His practice primarily focuses on pharmaceutical patent litigation, particularly Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA) cases involving biosimilars. Beyond pharmaceuticals, his experience spans a diverse range of technologies, including drug delivery devices, surgical instruments, wireless communications, gas turbines, and e-vapor devices.

Mr. Pepe has substantial experience representing clients on both the plaintiff and defendant sides of patent disputes. In his tracked appearances, he has served as lead counsel for plaintiffs in two cases and as lead counsel for a defendant in one instance. Notably, he represented Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as plaintiff in BPCIA litigations against Celltrion, Inc. and Sandoz Inc., both concerning the eye treatment drug EYLEA® (aflibercept). The disputes against Celltrion and Sandoz were resolved through confidential settlements allowing biosimilar market entry, with Regeneron also having secured a Federal Circuit affirmation of a preliminary injunction against Celltrion. Within the Regeneron v. Sandoz Inc. matter, he also appeared as lead counsel for the defendant [authoritative].

His practice also encompasses significant experience before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), where he has been listed as backup counsel in numerous inter partes review (IPR) proceedings. Mr. Pepe has represented clients in ITC investigations and appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. He holds a J.D. magna cum laude from American University Washington College of Law (2012), an M.S. from Boston University (2009), and a B.S. from Vanderbilt University (2005). He is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and Massachusetts, as well as before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.