Munck Wilson Mandala proudly announces that Merritt D. Westcott, a nationally recognized leader in biotech patent litigation, has been named chair of the firm’s Life Sciences Practice Group. With more than 25 years of experience in complex intellectual property disputes and a master’s degree in genetics and molecular biology, Westcott brings unmatched technical fluency and strategic insight to one of the most dynamic areas of law and innovation.
Westcott has built her reputation as a go-to trial lawyer in high-stakes biotech and pharmaceutical patent disputes, representing clients across genetically engineered crops and food products, monoclonal antibodies, blood cell controls, MedTech devices, and both traditional and biosimilar pharmaceuticals under the Hatch-Waxman Act and the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act.
“Merritt combines world-class legal skill with a deep understanding of science that few lawyers can match,” said William A. Munck, global managing partner of Munck Wilson Mandala. “Her ability to simplify the most complex technical issues for judges, juries, and clients makes her an extraordinary advocate. Just as important, she is a proven leader who inspires confidence, builds strong teams, and will guide the continued growth and success of our life sciences practice.”
“The life sciences sector is advancing at a remarkable pace, and the legal issues are as cutting-edge as the science itself,” said Westcott. “Our clients need counsel who not only understand the law but also speak the language of scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs. At Munck Wilson Mandala, we’re building a team that can deliver both — protecting groundbreaking ideas while helping clients bring transformative technologies to market.”
In addition to her trial work, Westcott guides clients through the full IP lifecycle, including pre-suit investigations, freedom-to-operate analyses, due diligence, and Patent Trial and Appeal Board proceedings. Known for her clarity and precision, she provides strategic counsel that aligns intellectual property strategy with long-term business goals.
MWM’s Life Sciences Group is one of the fastest-growing teams in the firm, with attorneys and patent professionals holding advanced degrees in genetics, molecular biology, chemistry, engineering, and computer science. The group advises researchers, entrepreneurs, and global companies driving next-generation healthcare, biotechnology, artificial intelligence in life sciences, and medical device innovation. By combining deep scientific knowledge with leading experience in AI-driven diagnostics, MedTech, and digital health platforms, the team helps clients protect and commercialize technologies shaping the future of medicine.
The firm recently expanded its Texas-based life sciences team with the addition of Westcott, IP partner Denise Mayfield, and senior scientific advisor and registered patent agent Rudeina A. Baasiri, Ph.D. Mayfield, a former research scientist with advanced degrees in biology, genetics, and physiology, brings a highly technical approach to patent prosecution. Baasiri, who holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology, advises clients on U.S. and international patent prosecution, due diligence, and freedom-to-operate analysis across a wide range of life sciences technologies.
MWM’s life sciences practice now includes more than 30 registered patent attorneys managing global IP portfolios spanning therapeutics, digital health, diagnostics, and biochemistry. The team has secured patents for CAR-T cell therapies, orthopedic implants, self-replicating RNA platforms, mRNA therapeutics, and other groundbreaking medical innovations. The firm also manages more than 14,000 active trademark files, providing brand protection strategies uniquely tailored to the biotech industry.
Earlier this year, Westcott joined Munck in an interview highlighting the firm’s strategic investment in life sciences. [Link to interview here]
Munck Wilson Mandala is a technology-focused law firm with offices in Dallas, Austin, Houston, and Waco, Texas, Los Angeles, California, South Florida, and Seoul Korea. Listed as a Best Lawyers Best Law Firm in 21 practice areas, the firm offers full-service counsel in the areas of intellectual property litigation, complex commercial litigation, intellectual property portfolio development, corporate transactions and securities, real estate, employment law, and various other practices. Munck Wilson Mandala represents clients from start-ups to Fortune 50 companies. Learn more about the firm at http://www.munckwilson.com.
