Nathanael Luman

Nathanael Luman, Ph.D., is a partner at Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear LLP, where he focuses his practice on intellectual property litigation, particularly for chemical and pharmaceutical companies. His experience includes litigation under the Hatch-Waxman Act and counseling pharmaceutical companies on Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) processes. Dr. Luman holds a Ph.D. in chemistry, which underpins his work with complex scientific and technical issues in his cases.

While his firm biography indicates he advises clients on both the enforcement of intellectual property and defenses against infringement charges, his tracked appearances primarily show him representing the plaintiff side, including acting as Lead Counsel for Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH in a patent litigation against Ellodi Pharmaceuticals, L.P. This case involves pharmaceutical patents related to treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis and orally disintegrating tablets.

Dr. Luman has extensive experience with the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), regularly engaging in Inter Partes Review (IPR) proceedings. He has been recognized as a "Top Performer" in Patexia's PTAB Intelligence Reports for 2023-2024. Notable PTAB outcomes include achieving final written decisions holding all challenged claims unpatentable for Illumina, Inc., and securing a favorable case-dispositive settlement after IPR institution for ASM IP Holding B.V. He has also authored publications discussing PTAB rule changes and discretionary denials of IPR institution.

He is admitted to the State Bar of California and is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Dr. Luman earned his J.D., with honors, from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2010, and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Boston University in 2006. Prior to joining Knobbe Martens, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Marilyn L. Huff of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California in 2012.