<p><br>Want a legal career blending <strong>Intellectual Property (IP)</strong>, <strong>Biotechnology</strong>, and <strong>Business</strong>? We sit down with <strong>Jenna Matheny</strong> (Vice-President &amp; Managing Director at APIOiX) to break down the path to a high-impact career in medical innovation. This episode is essential listening for <strong>law students</strong> and those interested in <strong>patent law</strong> who also have a passion for science, revealing a world of opportunities beyond traditional law firm life.</p><p><strong>In this episode, we discuss:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>The Innovation Lifecycle:</strong> How lawyers are involved from invention disclosure and patent strategy to regulatory approval (FDA) and commercialization.</li><li><strong>The Business of IP:</strong> The critical, often-overlooked importance of <strong>contracting</strong> and <strong>compliance</strong> in developing and licensing medical technology.</li><li><strong>Finding Your Niche:</strong> Jenna's unique career path through university <strong>Tech Transfer offices</strong>, <strong>incubators</strong>, and <strong>accelerators</strong>—and how law students can get their foot in the door.</li><li><strong>Beyond Science:</strong> The growing field of <strong>social innovation</strong> and how non-science majors can find rewarding IP careers focused on copyright and trademark.</li><li><strong>Practical Law School Advice:</strong> Which broad-based courses (like securities and international tax) set you up for success, and the value of clinics and residencies.</li></ul><p></p><ul><li>(00:00) - Introduction: Blending Law, Science, and Business in an IP Career </li> <li>(01:43) - Meet Jenna Matheny: Expert in Medical Technology IP and Tech Consulting </li> <li>(04:28) - Defining Biotech vs. MedTech: Law's Role in FDA Approval </li> <li>(05:42) - The Core Practice Areas: Patents, Contracting, and Regulatory Compliance </li> <li>(10:09) - Career Pivot: From Medicine Interest to Patent Attorney Path </li> <li>(11:32) - Tech Transfer Offices (TTOs): How Law Students Can Gain Experience </li> <li>(14:28) - Incubators &amp; Accelerators: Consulting and Internship Roles for Attorneys </li> <li>(20:39) - Practical Advice: Essential Law School Courses (Securities, Tax) and Clinics </li> <li>(24:26) - Serendipity &amp; Networking: How Connections Change the Course of a Legal Career </li> <li>(25:59) - Social Innovation: IP Opportunities without a Science Background (Copyright &amp; Trademark)</li> </ul><br><a href="https://share.transistor.fm/s/8a2904e5/transcript" title="Click here to view the episode transcript.">Click here to view the episode transcript.</a><br>

ABA Law Student Podcast

American Bar Association

The IP Career Path: Blending Law, Biotech, and Business Strategy with Jenna Matheny

NOV 17, 202541 MIN
ABA Law Student Podcast

The IP Career Path: Blending Law, Biotech, and Business Strategy with Jenna Matheny

NOV 17, 202541 MIN

Description


Want a legal career blending Intellectual Property (IP), Biotechnology, and Business? We sit down with Jenna Matheny (Vice-President & Managing Director at APIOiX) to break down the path to a high-impact career in medical innovation. This episode is essential listening for law students and those interested in patent law who also have a passion for science, revealing a world of opportunities beyond traditional law firm life.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The Innovation Lifecycle: How lawyers are involved from invention disclosure and patent strategy to regulatory approval (FDA) and commercialization.
  • The Business of IP: The critical, often-overlooked importance of contracting and compliance in developing and licensing medical technology.
  • Finding Your Niche: Jenna's unique career path through university Tech Transfer offices, incubators, and accelerators—and how law students can get their foot in the door.
  • Beyond Science: The growing field of social innovation and how non-science majors can find rewarding IP careers focused on copyright and trademark.
  • Practical Law School Advice: Which broad-based courses (like securities and international tax) set you up for success, and the value of clinics and residencies.

  • (00:00) - Introduction: Blending Law, Science, and Business in an IP Career
  • (01:43) - Meet Jenna Matheny: Expert in Medical Technology IP and Tech Consulting
  • (04:28) - Defining Biotech vs. MedTech: Law's Role in FDA Approval
  • (05:42) - The Core Practice Areas: Patents, Contracting, and Regulatory Compliance
  • (10:09) - Career Pivot: From Medicine Interest to Patent Attorney Path
  • (11:32) - Tech Transfer Offices (TTOs): How Law Students Can Gain Experience
  • (14:28) - Incubators & Accelerators: Consulting and Internship Roles for Attorneys
  • (20:39) - Practical Advice: Essential Law School Courses (Securities, Tax) and Clinics
  • (24:26) - Serendipity & Networking: How Connections Change the Course of a Legal Career
  • (25:59) - Social Innovation: IP Opportunities without a Science Background (Copyright & Trademark)

Click here to view the episode transcript.