Jeffrey S. "Jeff" Ward

Jeffrey S. "Jeff" Ward


Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP

Recognized since 2024

Chicago, Illinois

Practice Areas

Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice

Patent Law

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As a partner in the Intellectual Property practice group, Jeff focuses his work on patent litigation and strategic counseling related to pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnology, electrical engineering, agricultural and food products. A registered patent attorney with four decades of experience, Jeff has successfully represented both patent owners and patent challengers through all stages of federal litigation and appeals.

A significant portion of Jeff’s practice includes advising pharmaceutical clients regarding preinitiation evaluation of product candidates and formulation and implementation of both patent challenge and defense strategies. He has also handled all aspects of pharmaceutical patent infringement cases concerning the Hatch-Waxman Act since shortly after the Act’s passage, litigating disputes in various federal courts throughout the United States and the International Trade Commission. He has served as lead counsel in both bench and jury trials and has extensive experience leading numerous patent appeals, including arguing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Jeff also serves as an advisor to clients regarding both patent prosecution and patent opinion matters. Specifically, Jeff has provided patent prosecution advice related to pharmaceutical formulation and polymorph patent applications, and he has drafted both invalidity and non-infringement opinions pertaining to pharmaceutical products and processes, as well as products in other technology areas.

Jeff is well versed in advising clients regarding Orange Book certification and listing strategies. He has represented pharmaceutical companies and API manufacturers regarding 505(b)(2) and ANDA submissions on a wide variety of products. Jeff also has experience in trade secret matters, including those involving pharmaceutical products and processes and has served as lead counsel in cases brought pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act.

Jeff is a trusted advisor, supporting his clients’ business objectives by providing proactive and strategic advice at the intersection of science and law.

Jeff has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America in “Patent Law” since 2024. He is also listed in Intellectual Asset Management's (IAM) Patent 1000 for Litigation and, most recently, Prosecution. From 2013 to 2015 and then again from 2018 to 2023, Managing Intellectual Property named Jeff an “IP Star- Patent.” From 2018 to 2021, Jeff was recognized as a Leading Lawyer in Intellectual Property Law, Patent Law, and Trade Secrets/Unfair Competition Law by the Leading Lawyers Network.

Location
  • Two North LaSalle Street, Suite 1700
    Chicago, IL 60602-3801
Education
  • University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., graduated 1984
  • University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, B.S., Chem. E., graduated 1981
Bar Admissions
  • Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association
  • Wisconsin, State Bar of Wisconsin
Court Admissions
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Trial Bar)
  • U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
  • State of Illinois Supreme Court
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
Regulatory Agencies
  • U.S. Department of Commerce - Patent and Trademark Office

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
  • Patent Law

Publications

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