Richard Parr

Richard Parr is a seasoned patent attorney specializing in pharmaceutical patent law, with extensive experience in patent prosecution, portfolio management, and litigation. His practice focuses on protecting intellectual property for innovator companies, particularly within the oncology and cardiovascular product sectors, and managing complex research collaboration patent portfolios. He has a strong background in international patent law, having co-chaired Merck's International Patent Practice Committee, addressing global patent developments and treaty-related policy issues.

Throughout his career, Mr. Parr has primarily represented patent owners, safeguarding their innovations against challenges. This is evidenced by his significant tenure as in-house counsel and his appearance on the plaintiff's side in tracked litigation. He spent over 30 years with Merck, including a role with Merck Serono SA, where he was involved in patent matters.

A notable aspect of his patent litigation experience includes the case Merck Serono SA v. TWI Pharmaceuticals Inc., which concerned U.S. Patents Nos. 7,713,947 and 8,377,903, relating to an oral cladribine dosing regimen for multiple sclerosis (Mavenclad®). This case originated from inter partes review (IPR) proceedings (IPR2023-00050) at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), where TWI Pharmaceuticals successfully challenged the patents on obviousness grounds. The Federal Circuit subsequently affirmed the PTAB's finding that the patents were unpatentable, leading to Merck Serono losing enforceability of its cladribine dosing patent. This demonstrates his active involvement in PTAB proceedings and subsequent appeals to the Federal Circuit.

Mr. Parr is currently Senior Counsel at Kim IP. Prior to his long tenure at Merck, he practiced at Morgan & Finnegan and Cooper & Dunham. He is admitted to the New Jersey Bar and registered with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. He earned his J.D. and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Rutgers University.