About Erich E. Veitenheimer

Erich E. Veitenheimer III is a seasoned intellectual property attorney specializing in patents, with a focus on life sciences. He is admitted to practice in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). He earned his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in 1998, where he received the Leon Robbin Patent Award. Prior to his legal career, he obtained a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding & Plant Genetics and Statistics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1985, following a Master of Science in Genetics from the same institution in 1982. He graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from Washington State University in 1980.

Dr. Veitenheimer's professional journey includes diverse roles in the life sciences sector. He served as a Biostatistician and Corn Breeder at DeKalb-Pfizer Genetics and as a Senior Corn Breeder at DeKalb Genetics International. He also worked as a Primary Examiner in biotechnology at the USPTO. In 2022, he retired as a Senior Partner at Cooley LLP, where he had built their patent counseling and prosecution practice over 15 years. Following his retirement, he founded VEIT3IP LLP, a solo practice supporting life science clients in developing and implementing cost-effective strategies to protect and grow their intellectual property. Throughout his career, Dr.

Veitenheimer has worked with clients in various facets of the life sciences sector, including agricultural biotechnology, plant breeding, food science, alternative foods, probiotics, prebiotics, medical foods, and plant-based pharmaceuticals. He has been an invited speaker at several industry events, discussing topics such as the impact of patents on technological advances and job creation. The patentability of isolated genes and native traits. Dr. Veitenheimer is a member of the American Bar Association and has served as co-chair of the Legislation Committee for the Intellectual Property Law Section. He has also been involved with the American Horticultural Society, serving as Vice Chair and Chair of its Board of Directors, and with the American Seed Trade Association. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field, including being featured in articles discussing the challenges and opportunities in patenting plant inventions.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Veitenheimer has been involved in pro bono work, contributing to various causes through his legal expertise. His diverse background in both science and law enables him to provide comprehensive counsel to clients handling the requirements of intellectual property in the life sciences. Dr. Veitenheimer's unique combination of scientific knowledge and legal experience makes him a valuable asset to clients seeking guidance in intellectual property matters within the life sciences sector.

Education

Georgetown University Law Center

J.D. (1998)

1998

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Ph.D. (1985) | Genetics & Statistics

1985

University of Wisconsin - Madison

M.S. (1982) | Genetics

1982

Washington State University

B.S. (1980) | Agronomy

1980

Experience

Partner

Cooley Godward Kronish LLP

Accepted Jurisdictions

Maryland
District of Columbia
United States Patent and Trademark Office

Court Admissions

Maryland Court of Appeals State Supreme Court
District of Columbia Court of Appeals State Supreme Court
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland U.S. District Court
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia U.S. District Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit U.S. Circuit Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit U.S. Circuit Court
U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Supreme Court

Types of Cases Handled

Intellectual Property Patents

Legal Services Scope

Patent Counseling Patent Prosecution

Office Locations

Main Office

 1299 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 700 Washington DC 20004