David E. Wilks

David E. Wilks is a seasoned patent litigation attorney based in Wilmington, Delaware, primarily serving as local counsel in complex intellectual property disputes. His practice at Wilks Law, a firm he co-founded, emphasizes litigation in Delaware's state and federal courts, including the specialized Court of Chancery. Prior to establishing Wilks Law, he held senior litigation partner roles at Reed Smith LLP and managing partner at Buchanan Ingersoll PC in Wilmington.

Mr. Wilks' patent litigation experience centers on the life sciences, particularly the pharmaceutical and gene therapy sectors. His representative cases include acting as local counsel for both Genzyme Corporation and Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. in patent disputes. Notable engagements include representing Genzyme Corporation in patent infringement actions against Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc., which involved six patents covering recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors related to gene therapy. These cases, often complex and high-stakes, concluded with joint stipulations for dismissal with prejudice, indicating substantive resolutions.

While his tracked appearances show an equal distribution between plaintiff and defendant-side work, his firm profile indicates experience defending patent infringement claims for multibillion-dollar corporations. His broader litigation practice encompasses corporate governance, trade secrets, and contract disputes, often within the pharmaceutical and financial services industries. There is no reliably sourced information indicating his regular appearance in PTAB or IPR proceedings.

Admitted to the Delaware bar in 1989 and Pennsylvania bar in 1996, Mr. Wilks is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He earned his J.D. from Dickinson School of Law in 1989 and his B.A. from Colgate University in 1986.