John Rearick, Ph.D.

John P. Rearick, Ph.D. is a partner in Cooley’s patent counseling and prosecution group, where he brings deep technical experience and strategic insight to clients across the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. With nearly two decades of experience, John designs tailored IP strategies that align with both immediate business goals and long-term growth, helping innovators protect and maximize the value of their technologies worldwide. He also represents clients in connection with IP aspects for their venture financings, initial public offerings (IPOs) and follow-on public offerings, and partnering transactions.

John is particularly known for securing global patent coverage for small-molecule therapies, including in oncology, infectious disease and neurodegenerative disorders. In addition to traditional small molecules, he has significant experience advising clients on technologies, including antibody-drug conjugates, heterobifunctional degrader compounds, lipid nanoparticles and polymers. He advises pharmaceutical clients on exclusivity strategies for drug portfolios and regularly conducts high-stakes IP due diligence for investors and acquirers. His practice also includes counseling on contentious patent matters before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and navigating complex post-grant challenges across Europe and other international jurisdictions.

A scientist by training, John holds a PhD in chemistry and was awarded a prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute predoctoral fellowship. He also received a Certificate of Distinction in Teaching from Harvard College, underscoring his ability to translate complex science into clear, actionable legal strategy. His combination of technical depth, legal acumen and business-driven sensibility makes him a trusted advisor to clients at every stage of the innovation life cycle.

John is a frequent speaker at conferences, including Life Sciences Patent Network North America and IP Watchdog Life Sciences Masters. He is recognized by The Legal 500 (IP, Patent Prosecution) and IAM Strategy 300 Global Leaders, and as a Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Star. He is a member of the Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association and in 2024 co-founded Out in IP, an organization bringing together IP professionals in the Boston and greater East Coast area.