Munck Wilson Mandala, LLP, a leading intellectual property law firm, is pleased to announce that Merritt Westcott has joined the firm as an intellectual property partner in the Houston office. Westcott brings more than 25 years of experience as a first-chair patent litigator, with a proven track record in representing clients across diverse technologies and industry sectors, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of biotechnology. She previously worked as a partner at McGuireWoods.

Recognized in the IAM Patent 1000 as a top-tier litigator, Westcott has built a reputation for her deep understanding of complex scientific and technical issues and her ability to translate these complexities into actionable, strategic advice for clients. Her focus on aligning legal strategies with business objectives has made her a trusted advisor to innovators and companies across industries.

“Merritt’s expertise in both biotechnology and complex patent litigation will be a tremendous asset to our team,” said John Cain, managing partner of MWM’s Houston office. “Her experience handling high-stakes cases and her deep technical background will complement our firm’s focus on providing sophisticated IP solutions to clients in a variety of sectors.”

Merritt’s extensive patent litigation experience spans across numerous industries, including biotechnology, oil and gas exploration, computer software, cellular technologies, cloud-based CPaaS platforms, geofencing technology, and building material design. She has litigated complex patent disputes involving genetically engineered crops and food products, monoclonal antibodies, clinical medical devices, and traditional and biosimilar pharmaceutical products under the Hatch-Waxman Act and the BPCIA. Notably, Westcott is also recognized as a top Hatch-Waxman litigator by Patexia.

In addition to her litigation work, Westcott provides strategic counsel to clients on patent portfolio management, pre-suit investigations, freedom to operate, due diligence, and proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Her comprehensive approach to intellectual property and patent strategy makes her a well-rounded asset to the firm and its clients.

Westcott received her J.D., graduating cum laude from the University of Houston Law Center. She also holds a Master of Science in molecular biology, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science in biology, graduating cum laude from Texas Christian University. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the American Intellectual Property Law Association, the Houston Bar Association, and the Houston Intellectual Property Law Association.

Munck Wilson Mandala continues to grow its intellectual property practice, offering clients a broad range of services, from patent litigation to portfolio management and strategic counseling. Merritt’s addition to the team further strengthens the firm’s position as a leading IP practice in Texas and beyond.

Munck Wilson Mandala is a full-service, technology-focused law firm known for its powerful litigation teams that represent clients in patent, trade secret, trademark, and other intellectual property disputes as well as high stakes and complex commercial litigation.  Honored with a Top 100 Verdict in 2021 by the National Law Journal, the firm has offices in Dallas, Austin, Houston, and Waco, Texas, Los Angeles, California, and South Florida (Boca Raton).  Munck Wilson Mandala represents clients from start-ups to Fortune 50 companies. Learn more about the firm at http://www.munckwilson.com