Dr. Michelle Rhyu
About Michelle
Michelle is a life sciences litigator. She has represented life sciences companies at Cooley for more than 25 years, litigating high-impact patent, contract and trade secrets disputes. She advises biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical devices clients as they navigate complex patent landscapes and competitor incursions. She has litigated and advised companies in Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act-related matters involving numerous different biologic products, and she has achieved significant wins in trade secret misappropriation and breach of contract cases.
Passions
Family
History
Discovery
I work with our clients to understand their business objectives and litigation needs. I use my scientific training to understand deeply the technology and arguments, then break down complex technology and facts to craft the client’s story, one that resonates with judges and jurors.
Experience
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Samsung Bioepis Defeats Emergency Motion for Injunction
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Sight Sciences Announces Successful Patent Infringement Verdict
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Global cross-license achieved for Gevo in long-running biofuels patent case
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Cooley and ACLU File Discrimination Suit Against City of Escondido
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Complete win for Gilead Sciences in dispute involving breakthrough SOVALDI treatment
Admissions and credentials
- California
- US Patent and Trademark Office
Rankings and accolades
Chambers USA: Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation – California (2024 – 2025)
Financial Times: Top 10 Innovative Lawyers of North America
IAM Patent 1000: Top Patent Lawyer
LMG Life Sciences “General Patent Litigator of the Year – California” Finalist
LMG Life Sciences: IP Star
Managing Intellectual Property: IP Star
Managing Intellectual Property: Top 250 Women in IP
The Recorder: Women Leaders in Technology Law
UCSF: 150th Anniversary Alumni Excellence Award
Legal 500: Intellectual Property: Patents - Litigation; Trade Secrets (Litigation & Non-Contentious Matters); Healthcare: Life Sciences
Memberships and affiliations
- American Bar Association (ABA)
- California Bar Association
- Asian Pacific Bar Association
- Council of Korean Americans
In a bet-the-company litigation, the Cooley team came through. The team's combination of deep trial experience and scientific expertise was critical to the success of the case.
Brett Pletcher, General Counsel, Gilead Sciences
Get In Touch
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