Kenneth P. Spina

Special Counsel

Kenneth P. Spina

Overview

Mr. Spina practices law in the field of intellectual property and is active in all areas of patent law. He has extensive experience in prosecution, litigation, litigation strategy (enforcement and defense), developing and managing patent portfolios, due diligence, licensing, and transactional matters associated with intellectual property. The majority of Mr. Spina’s clients operate in the chemical and pharmaceutical fields. Recent technologies with which he has been involved include pharmaceuticals, organic synthesis (including small molecules, polymers and organometallics), formulations (pharmaceutical and chemical generally), and therapeutic indications, as well as cosmetics and inorganic chemistry.

Read More

With extensive experience in virtually all aspects of patent law, Mr. Spina counsels and renders opinions on patent validity, patent infringement, technology licensing, and trade secrets. The breadth and depth of Mr. Spina’s experience in both law and industry has made him an invaluable resource to clients in developing and managing patent portfolios world-wide, developing and implenting patent litigation strategies (enforcement and defense), and advising clients on industrially feasible options for avoiding infringement.

Prior to joining Leydig, Voit & Mayer, Mr. Spina was a Senior Chemist at Abbott Laboratories, where for ten years he served as a medicinal chemist in the area of new drug discovery. He is a named inventor on several patents, and coauthored a number of publications relating to medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis.

Education

  • DePaul University, J.D., 1996
  • Loyola University Chicago, M.S. in Chemistry, 1988
  • Loyola University Chicago, B.A. in Chemistry, 1984

Admissions

  • Illinois, 1996
  • Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Courts

  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • Illinois State Courts

Honors

  • Selected by peers as a Leading Lawyer in Intellectual Property Law – Leading Lawyers Network

Professional Affiliations

  • American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
  • American Bar Association (ABA) & ABA Advisory Panel
  • Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago (IPLAC)
  • Chicago Bar Association (CBA)
  • American Chemical Society (ACS)
  • Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO)

Articles, Publications & Lectures

  • “(1a,2,ß,3ß,4a)-1,2-di[N-Propyl-N-(4-phenoxybenzyl)aminocarbonyl]-cyclobutane-3,4-dicarboxylic Acid (A-87049): a Novel Potent Squalene Synthase Inhibitor,” A. K. L. Fung, W. R. Baker, S. Fakhoury, H. H. Stein, J. Cohen, B. G. Donner, D. S. Garvey, K. P. Spina, S. H. Rosenberg, J. Med. Chem., 14: 2123-2125 (1997).
  • “Renin Inhibitors: C-Terminal Oxetanes as Potent Transition-State Mimics,” S. H. Rosenberg, K. P. Spina, H. H. Stein, J. Cohen, W. R. Baker, H. D. Kleinert, BioMed. Chem. Lett., 2: 927-937 (1994).
  • “5-Membered Ring Heterocyclic Carboxylic Acids as Angiotensin II Antagonists,” J. Pratt, H. S. Jae, S. Rosenberg, K. Spina, M. Winn, S. Buckner, E. Novosad, D. Kerkman, K. Shiosaki, T. Opgenorth, J. DeBernardis, BioMed. Chem. Lett., 4: 169-172 (1994).
  • “2-(Alkylamino)nicotinic Acid Analogues. Potent Angiotensin II Antagonists,” M. Winn, B. De, T. M. Zydowski, R. J. Altenbach, F. Z. Basha, S. A. Boyd, M. E. Brune, S. A. Buckner, D. Crowell, I. Drizin, A. A. Honcock, H. S. Jae, J. A. Kester, J. Y. Lee, R. A. Mantel, K. C. Marsh, E. I. Novosad, K. W. Oheim, S. H. Rosenberg, K. Shiosaki, B. K. Sorensen, K. P. Spina, G. M. Sullivan, A. S. Tasker, T. W. von Geldern, R. B, Warner, T. J. Opgenorth, D. J. Kerkman, J. F. DeBernardis, J. Med. Chem., 36: 2676-2688 (1993).
  • “Studies Directed Toward the Design of Orally Active Renin Inhibitors 1. Some Factors Influencing the Absorption of Small Peptides,” S. H. Rosenberg, K. P. Spina, K. W. Woods, J. Polakowski, D. L. Martin, Z. Yao, H. H. Stein, J. Cohen, J. L. Barlow, D. A. Egan, K. A. Tricarico, W. R. Baker, H. D. Kleinert, J. Med. Chem., 36: 449-459 (1993).
  • “Studies Directed Toward the Design of Orally Active Renin Inhibitors 2. Development of the Efficacious, Bioavailable Renin Inhibitor (2S)-2-Benzyl-3-[[(1-methylpiperazine-4-y1)sulfonyl]propionyl]-3-(thiazol-4-y1)-L-alanine Amide of (2S, 3R, 4S)-2-Aminol-cyclohexyl-3,4-dihydroxy-6-methylheptane (A-72517),” S. H. Rosenberg, K. P. Spina, S. L. Condon, J. Polakowski, Z. Yao, P. Kovar, H. H. Stein, J. Cohen, J. L. Barlow, V. Klinghofer, D. A. Egan, K. A. Tricarico, T. J. Perun, W. R. Baker, H. D. Kleinert, J. Med. Chem., 36: 460-467 (1993).
  • “The Discovery of a Peptide-Based Renin Inhibitor With Oral Bioavailability and Efficacy,” H. D. Kleinert, S. H. Rosenberg, W. R. Baker, H. H. Stein, V. Klinghofer, J. Barlow, K. P. Spina, J. Polakowski, P. Kovar, J. Cohen, J. Dennisen, Science, 257: 1940 (1992).
  • “1,2,3-Trisubstituted Cyclopropanes as Conformationally Restricted Peptide Isosteres: Application to the Design and Synthesis of Novel Renin Inhibitors,” S. F. Martin, R. E. Austin, C. J. Oalmann, W. R. Baker, S. L. Condon, E. de Lara, S. H. Rosenberg, K. P. Spina, H. H. Stein, J. Cohen, and H. D. Kleinert, J. Med. Chem., 35: 1710-1721 (1992).
  • “Design of Orally Active Renin Inhibitors,” S. H. Rosenberg, K. P. Spina, D. L. Martin, J. Polakowski, P. Kovar, Z. Yao, K. M. Verburg, H. Stein, J. Cohen, J. L. Barlow, V. Klinghofer, D. J. Hoffman, K. W. Garren, W. R. Baker, and H. D. Kleinert, Advances in New Drug- Development; Kim, B.K., Lee, E.B., Kim, C.K., Han, Y, N. Eds.; Pharmaceutical Society of Korea: Seoul, pp 120-129 (1991).
  • “Potent, Low Molecular Weight Renin Inhibitors Containing a C-Terminal Heterocycle: Hydrogen Bonding at the Active Site”, S. H. Rosenberg, J. F. Dellaria, D. J. Kempf, C. W. Hutchins, K. W. Woods, R. G. Maki, E. de Lara, K. P. Spina, H. H. Stein, J. Cohen, W. R. Baker, J. J. Plattner, H. D. Kleinert, and T. J. Perun, J. Med. Chem., 33: 1582-1590 (1990).
  • “Renin Inhibitors Containing a C-Terminal Heterocycle,” S. H. Rosenberg, J. F. Dellaria, D. J. Kempf, H. L. Sham, K. W. Woods, B. de Lara, R. G. Maki, K. P. Spina, H. H. Stein, J. Cohen, J. J. Plattner, W. R. Baker, H. D. Kleinert, and T. J. Perun, Peptides: Chemistry and Biology, Proceedings of the Eleventh American Peptide Symposium; Revier, J.E.; and Marshall, G.R. Ed.s; Escom: Leiden, pp 402-403 (1990).
  • “A Tandem Michael Reaction-Cycloalkylation Utilizing 2-Nitropropane: A Facile Route to the Acid Component of Insecticidal Pyrethroids,” J. H. Babler and K. P. Spina, Tetrahedron Letters, 26: 1923 (1985).
  • “Reduction of alpha-Substituted Succinonitriles with Diisobutylaluminum Hydride: A Facile Method for the Synthesis of 3-Substituted Pyrroles,” J. H. Babler and K. P. Spina, Tetrahedron Letters, 25: 1659 (1984).
  • “A Facile and Efficient Method for Monoketalization of 1, 4-Cyclohexanedione,” J. H. Babler and K. P. Spina, Synth. Commun., 14: 39 (1984)
  • “A Facile Method for the Conversion of Primary Alkyl Chlorides to the Corresponding Bromides,” J. H. Babler and K. P. Spina, Synth. Comnun., 14: 1313 (1984).
  • “Stereochemistry of the Dealkoxycarbonylation of Methyl alpha-Cyanocinnamate and of the Decarboxylation of the Corresponding Cyanoacid: A Facile Stereoselective Route to Z-Cinnamonitrile,” J. H. Babler and K. P. Spina, Tetrahedron Letters, 24: 3835 (1983).
  • U.S. Patent No. 9,820,965 (Boyd et al. – NIH), entitled “Biologically Active Macrolides, Compositions, and Uses Thereof” and issued November 21, 2017 [US 9,139,595, US 8,741,947, US 7,790,764, US 7,144,918]
  • WO 2017/124061 (Syed et al. – Salon Commodities, Inc.), entitled “Methods and Compositions for Treating Damaged Hair” and published July 20, 2017
  • U.S. Patent No. 8,597,876 (Erickson et al. – NIH), entitled “Method of Treating HIV Infection” and issued December 3, 2013 [US 7,470,506]
  • US 2012/0114584 (Woghiren et al. – Alberto-Culver Company), entitled “Relaxer Gel Activator” and published May 10, 2012
  • U.S. Patent No. 7,211,603 (Zaleski et al. – Advanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.), entitled “Enediyne Compounds and Methods Related Thereto” and issued May 1, 2007 [US 6,987,132, US 6,514,995]
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,965,041 (Beaucage et al. – NIH), entitled “N-Acylphosphoramidites and Their Use in Oligonucleotide Synthesis” and issued November 15, 2005
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,828,439 (Zaleski et al. – Advanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.), entitled “Compounds, Composition and Methods for Photodynamic Therapy” and issued December 7, 2004
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,762,298 (Beaucage et al. – NIH), entitled “Thermolabile Phosphorous Protecting Groups, Associated Intermediates and Methods of Use” and issued July 13, 2004
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,613,927 (Kwok – American Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc.), entitled “Sterile Lyophilized Ifosfamide and Associated Methods” and issued September 2, 2003
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,353,019 (Boyd et al. – NIH), entitled “Macrocyclic Lactones, Compositions and Methods of Use” and issued March 5, 2002 [AU 740668; EP 1000053]
  • “Tricyclic Macrolides,” Y. S. Or, K. P. Spina, M. Tufano, J, .lattner, D. Chu, 212th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Orlando, FL, MEDI-191 (August 25-29, 1996).
  • “Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of New Macrolides,” Y. S. Or, K. P. Spina, D. Chu, Gordon Research Conference, Natural Products Symposium, Henniker, NH (June 30-July 5, 1996).
  • “A-87049, A Novel Potent Sgualene Synthase Inhibitor,” A. K, L. Fung, W. R. Baker, S, Fakhoury, H. H. Stein, J. Cohen, B.G. Donner, D. S. Garvey, K. P. Spina, S. H. Rosenberg, 211th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, New Orleans, LA, MEDI-137 (March 24-28, 1996).
  • “5-Membered Ring Heterocyclic Carboxylic Acids as Angiotensin II Antagonists,” J. K. Pratt, H-S. Jae, S. H. Rosenberg, K. P. Spina, M. Winn, S. A. Buckner, E.I. Novosad, D.J. Kerkman, K. Shiosaki, T.J. Opgenorth, J.F. DeBernardis, 206th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Chicago, IL, MEDI-67 (August 22-27, 1993).
  • “Renin Inhibitors: Design of a Potent Transition-State Mimic,” S. H. Rosenberg, K. P. Spina, H. Stein, J. Cohen, P. Kovar, Z. Yao, J. L. Barlow, V. Klinghofer, S. J. Wittenberger, W. R. Baker, H. D. Kleinert, 204th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Washington, DC, MEDI-56 (August 23-28, 1992).
  • “A New Class of Efficacious, Well Absorbed Renin Inhibitors,” K. P. Spina, S. H. Rosenberg, D. L. Martin, J. Polakowski, P. Kovar, Z. Yao, H. Stein, J. Cohen, D. A. Egan, J. L. Barlow, V. Klinghofer, D. J. Hoffman, K. W. Garren, W. R. Baker, and H. D. Kleinert, 202nd National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, New York, NY, MEDI-120 (August 25-30, 1991).
  • “Renin Inhibitors: Factors Influencing the Absorption of Small Peptides,” S. H. Rosenberg, K. P. Spina, D. L. Martin, J. Polakowski, P. Kovar, Z. Yao, K. M. Verburg, H. Stein, J. Cohen, D. A. Egan, J. L. Barlow, V. Klinghofer, D. J. Hoffman, K. W. Garren, W. R. Baker, and H. D. Kleinert, Abstracts of Papers, 202nd National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, New York, NY, MEDI-197 (August 25-30, 1991).
  • “Design of Orally Active Renin Inhibitors,” S.H. Rosenberg, K. P. Spina, D. L. Martin, J. Polakowski, P. Kovar, Z. Yao, K. M. Verburg, H. Stein, J. Cohen, J. L. Barlow, V. Klinghofer, D. J. Hoffman, K. W. Garren, W. R. Baker, and H. D. Kleinert, International Congress of New Drug Development, Seoul, Korea (August, 1991).
  • “Renin Inhibitors: Approaches Toward Oral Activity,” S. H, Rosenberg, K. P. Spina, H. D. Kleinert, D. L. Martin, K. M. Verburg, H. Stein, J. Cohen, D. A. Egan, J. L. Barlow, V. Klinghofer, D. J. Hoffman, K. W, Garren, and W. R. Baker, Abstracts of Papers, 201st National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Atlanta, GA, MEDI-64 (April 14-19, 1991).
  • “Renin Inhibitors Containing a C-Terminal Heterocycle,” S. H. Rosenberg, J. F. Dellaria, D. J. Kempf, H. L. Sham, K. W. Woods, E. de Lara, R.G. Maki, K. P. Spina, H. Stein, J. Cohen, J. J. Plattner, W. R. Baker, H. D. Kleinert, and T. J. Perun, Abstracts of Papers, 11th American Peptide Symposium, La Jolla, CA, P-104 (July 9-14, 1989).

Education

  • DePaul University, J.D., 1996
  • Loyola University Chicago, M.S. in Chemistry, 1988
  • Loyola University Chicago, B.A. in Chemistry, 1984

Admissions

  • Illinois, 1996
  • Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Courts

  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • Illinois State Courts