Markus Wang

Bär & Karrer Ltd

Zurich www.baerkarrer.ch

markus.wang@baerkarrer.ch Tel: +41 58 261 55 10

Biography

Markus Wang (co-)heads the life sciences and intellectual property practice groups of the firm. His practice covers a wide range of contentious and non-contentious life sciences related matters, including patent litigation, regulatory advice and proceedings, drafting and negotiating development, licensing and other agreements concerning medicinal products and healthcare services. He lectures on intellectual property law at the University of Fribourg and regularly publishes on topics in the fields of intellectual property and life sciences.

I have been with the firm since 1994 when I started as a trainee. While initially focussing on intellectual property law, over time I became more and more involved in life sciences matters and after becoming a partner in 2002 I assumed the responsibility for these practice groups.

What do you enjoy most about working in life sciences?

Dynamics of the industry and the multidisciplinary character of the work (contractual, IP, regulatory, data protection, etc.).

What do clients look for in an effective life sciences lawyer?

Someone reducing complexity and finding solutions accommodating the needs of the business.

In your view, is the life sciences sector in Switzerland experiencing a shift towards increased digitalisation and what impact is this having on your practice area?

Yes, it does in many ways. For our practice this means that understanding of information technology and data protection is becoming one of the core requirements for successfully advising in this field.

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the life sciences industry in Switzerland this year?

The effects of public pressure to reduce healthcare costs.

How do you see your practice developing over the next five years?

Demand for legal support in this field and thus the life science practices in law firms will continue to grow in the coming years.

What has been the most memorable matter you have worked on in the life sciences sector?

There have been several memorable matters, and hopefully many more to come. One of the most interesting ones was assisting a client who, as a result of a transaction, was suddenly and unconsciously engaged in a regulated activity but not appropriately licensed. Remediating the situation not only involved many interesting contractual, regulatory and other legal questions, but also many discussions and negotiations with the persons involved on the client's side, regulatory bodies, contractual counterparties and foreign lawyers.

What are your main priorities for the firm’s development over the next couple of years?

To support the next generation of lawyers in this field at Bär & Karrer and ensure that we provide an environment where young talents can develop and stay for the long term while continuing to provide first class services to our clients.

WWL says: Markus Wang enjoys a strong reputation in the life sciences market for his specialist knowledge of IP law and his experience in transactional patent matters.