Clients rely on Shaun Van Horn for insightful, forward-thinking representation in patent litigation and competition law disputes in the life sciences industry.
Shaun has extensive experience in biologics litigation, Hatch-Waxman disputes, and other matters across a broad range of technologies, particularly those related to upstream molecular biology and genetics. In recent years, he has worked with clients on cases involving cell molecular biology, recombinant proteins, the genetic engineering of cell lines, and protein dynamics, among others. In one significant matter, Shaun represented a pharmaceutical company in litigation surrounding a biosimilar for a post-chemotherapy treatment. Following a complete victory in both District Court and on appeal, the company was able to release its first-ever product.
In addition to his patent litigation practice, Shaun is known for his work advising clients on the legal issues that arise at the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property (IP) law. He regularly meets with legal decision makers to help guide their companies through potential issues associated with standard essential patents, exclusive licensing, reverse payments, patent thickets, and other competition matters. While much of his practice involves counseling clients to avoid legal issues, he is also adept at defending them against allegations of anticompetitive behavior. Notably, he defended a Fortune 500 electrical systems company in a dispute alleging exclusive dealing in relation to software licenses, ultimately prevailing in District Court and at the Federal Circuit.
A thought leader in the IP antitrust space, Shaun has published a book on the subject, co-authoring “Antitrust Issues in Intellectual Property Law” in cooperation with the American Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Law Section. He is also a frequent speaker on antitrust issues.
Shaun has particular experience in cross-border IP disputes and frequently works with clients in Germany, Japan, and around the world helping to resolve issues of personal jurisdiction, Hague Agreement disputes, international copyright litigation, and others. He is conversant in French.
Clients know Shaun to be a highly responsive advocate who enjoys digging into the complex technologies that underpin clients’ disputes and using that knowledge to prepare a compelling story for the court. He is also a believer in the value of pro bono legal services: Throughout his career, he has devoted hundreds of hours to the representation of asylum seekers, as well as indigent clients accused of violent crimes.
Shaun is a board member of the National Association of Urban Debate Leagues and the Canary Islanders Heritage Society of Louisiana. When he isn’t practicing law, he enjoys trivia competitions and studying genealogy.
*Not admitted to practice in Minnesota. Practice in Minnesota is directly supervised by a member of the Minnesota bar or is limited to U.S. federal courts or agencies listed in admissions or otherwise authorized by law.
Pro bono activities
Obtained the release of a man from an Illinois prison following a 2012 murder conviction, paving the way for him to be declared innocent.
Community
National Association of Urban Debate Leagues, Board Member
Canary Islanders Heritage Society of Louisiana, Board Member and Treasurer
