Michael Ward

Michael Ward is a highly experienced patent litigation attorney and a Partner at Morrison & Foerster LLP, based in San Francisco. He serves as co-chair of the firm's Life Sciences + Healthcare Group, Patent Group, Intellectual Property Group, and Food + Agriculture Group. His practice is notably focused on life sciences, particularly crop protection and plant intellectual property, where he is recognized for developing multi-billion dollar patent portfolios for plant varieties. He also advises clients on intellectual property issues related to plants and plant products, including utility patents, licensing, litigation in U.S. federal and state courts, and before the International Trade Commission. His expertise further extends to the intersection of traditional life sciences and technologies, including bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, particularly in building patent portfolios for biotechnology companies.

In his litigation practice, Mr. Ward primarily works on the defense side, as evidenced by his appearance as counsel for the defendant in ART Research and Technology LLC v. Google, LLC et al. Beyond active litigation, his practice encompasses comprehensive patent strategy and prosecution, IP due diligence, counseling clients on patent infringement and validity, and managing extensive patent portfolios. While his firm has a strong reputation for handling Inter Partes Reviews (IPRs), his individual profile highlights experience with patent re-examinations and interference projects, indicating involvement in PTAB-related strategic matters.

Mr. Ward earned his J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law in 1996 and is admitted to practice in California (1997) and before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. His scientific background includes a B.S. in Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, an M.S. in Agronomy, and a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology (Biochemistry) from the University of California, Davis.