Dr. Weinsun Rao
Counsel
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Rao advises clients on the development, monetization, and enforcement of their global intellectual property (IP) portfolios, helping businesses grow by leveraging their innovations. He is highly experienced in drafting and prosecuting patent applications worldwide and conducting patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses to support strategic decision-making.
Dr. Rao regularly conducts IP due diligence and provides legal opinions in the context of venture transactions, mergers and acquisitions, licensing agreements, and strategic collaborations. His extensive experience includes drafting and negotiating:
-
Licensing agreements
-
Co-development and commercialization agreements
-
Material transfer agreements (MTAs)
-
Clinical trial agreements
-
Other critical technology and IP-related contracts
Securities & Capital Markets
Beyond intellectual property, Dr. Rao also advises clients on capital markets transactions, representing issuers and sponsors in initial public offerings (IPOs) on NASDAQ, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and the Shanghai Stock Exchange. His expertise in IP-backed financing and investment transactions makes him a key resource for companies looking to integrate their IP assets into broader corporate and financial strategies.
Strategic IP & Business Advisory
Dr. Rao works closely with clients to align their IP strategies with business objectives, offering pragmatic, business-driven solutions to complex legal issues. He has successfully helped clients navigate risks and enhance the value of their IP assets through proactive legal strategies and innovative deal structuring.
Industry Experience & Global Clientele
Dr. Rao serves a diverse range of clients across industries, including:
• Life sciences (pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, nutraceuticals, and medical devices)
• Electronics and consumer goods
• Industrial chemicals and specialty materials
• Financial services
His representative clients include private and public companies, entrepreneurs, venture capital and private equity firms, investment banks, universities, and research institutes across North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and South Africa.
A Trusted Advisor in IP & Business Law
With a deep understanding of both legal and commercial considerations, Dr. Rao is committed to helping clients protect, commercialize, and enforce their intellectual property while optimizing business opportunities. Whether guiding companies through IP-driven transactions, licensing, or international expansion, he provides tailored, results-oriented legal counsel that supports long-term success.
For strategic IP and business transaction guidance, contact us today to explore how Dr. Rao can assist your organization.
Admissions
-
State Bar of Illinois
-
State Bar of Michigan
-
District of Columbia Bar
-
United States Patent and Trademark Office
Education
-
J.D., The Ohio State University College of Law (2005)
-
Ph.D. in Chemistry, The University of Akron (1998)
-
B.S. in Chemistry, Jilin University (1994)