Paul E. Zarek, Ph.D.

Patent Agent / St. Louis Metro Office

Paul has been a Patent Agent with Harness IP for five years, during which time he also attended and recently graduated from law school. His impressive background also includes holding a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Molecular Science and previously serving as a Patent Examiner for the USPTO for nearly ten years. On the whole, few people within IP law can offer Paul’s combination of USPTO insight as well as legal and technical expertise.

Paul’s practice focuses on counseling inventors within the biological, biopharma, and life science industries, ranging from small molecule therapeutics, biologics, medical devices, and methods of treating a wide variety of diseases. He diligently leads his clients from invention through the filing and prosecution of domestic and international patent applications. Amiable and efficient, with a razor sharp focus for his client’s success, Paul is a dedicated partner and adviser with years of experience to counsel inventors and entrepreneurs alike in the field of intellectual property.

EXEMPLARY PATENTS

  • US Patent No. 9,119,822 “Use of PDE7 inhibitors for the Treatment of Movement Disorders,” Omeros Corp.
  • US Patent no. 8,877,764 “Method for Treating Cancer Harboring EGFR Mutations,” Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH.
  • US Patent No. 8,748,601 “Selective Serine/Threonine Kinase Inhibitors,” The Regents of the University of California.
  • US Patent No. 8,680,109 “Combination Product Comprising SRC Kinase Inhibitor AZDO530 and an Antioestrogen or EGFR-TK-Inhibitor,” AstraZeneca AB.
  • US Patent No. 8,642,598 “Heterocyclic Compounds and Their Use as Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Inhibitors,” AbbVie Inc.
  • US Patent No. 8,629,163 “Tetrakis-Quaternary Ammonium Salts and Methods for Modulating Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors,” University of Kentucky Research Foundation.
  • US Patent No. 8,604,045 “Pyrimidylaminobenzamide Derivatives for Treatment of Neurofibromatosis,” Novartis AG.
  • US Patent No. 8,563,573 “Azaindole derivatives as CFTR Modulators,” Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  • US Patent No. 8,449,886 “Combination of Anti-CTLA4 Antibody with Tubulin Modulating Agents for the Treatment of Proliferative Diseases,” Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
  • US Patent No. 7,737,156 “Selective Phosphodiesterase 9A Inhibitors as Medicaments for Improving Cognitive Processes,” Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH.

Prior to joining Harness IP, Paul focused his examination efforts at the USPTO on small molecule pharmaceuticals and methods of treatment, particularly immunology and cancer.  As an Examiner, he utilized his comprehensive patent experience and extensive knowledge of patent laws and regulations to determine patentability of claimed inventions.  He approved patents for major pharmaceutical companies, academic research institutions, and pro se inventors.

Paul received his scientific training at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine within the department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences. He explored the role of extracellular adenosine and the adenosine A2A receptor on T cell tolerance and regulatory T cells, using multiple state-of-the-art biological techniques, including fluorescence activated cell sorting, flow cytometry, in vivo models of cancer and T cell activation, and cell culture.

A dedicated father and family man, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, and, as a family, rooting for the Georgetown Hoyas whenever they can.

AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS

  • Bronze Medal for Superior Federal Service, 2014

CIVIC & CHARITABLE

  • Kids Against Hunger, DC Metro, Steering Committee Member, 2008-2015

Education

J.D., Concentration in Intellectual Property, Saint Louis University, 2021

Ph.D., Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 2008

B.S., Biology, Georgetown University, 1998

B.A., English, Georgetown University, 1998

Bar & COURT ADMISSIONS

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office