05.07.19
Lygos, Inc. announced that IP attorney Photon Rao, JD, Ph.D., was named chief patent counsel. He will be responsible for procuring and protecting the company’s growing intellectual property portfolio and related licenses.
“Photon is an exceptional patent attorney with extensive experience in establishing and enforcing high-value IP in the biotechnology, chemical, and polymer product and process spaces,” said Eric Steen, Ph.D., CEO of Lygos. “Our proprietary technology platform is built upon a strong foundation of IP and Photon’s strategic advice will be instrumental as we continue to grow our business and enable more customers to replace toxic legacy petrochemicals, reclaim local manufacturing and revive industrial innovation.”
Dr. Rao brings 15 years of business-focused IP strategy, procurement and protection experience. He participated in IP-related deals totaling more than $2 billion. Prior to joining Lygos, he worked at an American Lawyer 100 firm and as the director of IP at Threshold Pharmaceuticals.
“Lygos is uniquely positioned to transform industrial chemical production processes for many large-scale industries in the near future,” said Dr. Rao. “The company already features a comprehensive IP portfolio, which extends across biotechnology, chemistry, and high-performance polymer products and processes. I’m looking forward to joining this accomplished team and helping them realize the full potential of these high-value assets.”