June 27, 2013
THE RECORDER
By Julia Love
SAN FRANCISCO – Foley & Lardner is set expand its ranks in San Diego with a partner from Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear.
Marc Morley “ who helps individuals, universities, research institutes and technology companies build and manage their patent portfolios “ will start at Foley on Monday. He will work closely with Foley’s Gerald Swiss, said legal recruiter Larry Watanabe of Watanabe Nason, who placed Morley at Foley. Swiss is a veteran partner who advises biopharmaceutical, life science and medical device clients on IP strategy.
“Foley has always had a strong life sciences practice in San Diego,” Watanabe said.
Foley & Lardner representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Morley’s clients span a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and clean technology. He brings technical expertise to the work. Before coming to Knobbe in 2000, he worked in development at Scios Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, according to his biography on the firm’s website.
“He’s a great lawyer, and we’re going to miss him,” said Ned Israelsen, managing partner of Knobbe’s San Diego office.
Israelsen said Knobbe also seeks to grow in San Diego, noting that the firm has emphasized its electrical and computer science practices in the region. Earlier this year, the office lost another IP partner, Phillip Bennett, who left to launch a San Diego office for London-based IP firm EIP.