M. David Weingarten Ph.D.

M. David Weingarten, Ph.D., Managing Partner of Finnegan’s Atlanta office, helps pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and chemical companies protect their most valuable assets: their innovations. David advises clients on complex patent disputes, post-grant proceedings, patent prosecution, and intellectual property strategies that align with business objectives and drive long-term value.

With a practice spanning patent litigation in U.S. district courts, proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), and strategic portfolio management, David works closely with clients to navigate critical intellectual property challenges at every stage of the innovation lifecycle. Whether enforcing patent rights, defending against infringement claims, building global patent portfolios, or conducting diligence for investments and transactions, he delivers practical, business-focused counsel grounded in a deep understanding of both science and law.

David is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading intellectual property attorneys. He has been honored by LMG Life Sciences as “Patent Strategy Attorney of the Year, South,” and has received additional recognition for excellence in “Patent Prosecution” and “Patent Strategy & Management.” He has been recognized as a “Patent Star” (National and Georgia) in Managing Intellectual Property’s IP STARS guide, highlighted by IAM Patent 1000 for his “Patent Litigation” expertise, legal capabilities, and technical acumen, and recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of “Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice” and “Litigation – Patent.” David was also named a “Client Service All-Star” by BTI Consulting Group.

What sets David apart is his uncommon combination of legal, scientific, and business experience. Before becoming an attorney, he spent more than a decade in the pharmaceutical industry leading research, development, manufacturing, and technology transfer initiatives. He worked across multiple therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, and inflammatory diseases, and played key roles in drug discovery, process development, regulatory submissions, and strategic due diligence efforts. This firsthand industry experience allows him to understand the scientific, commercial, and operational realities his clients face.

David leverages his extensive technical background when handling sophisticated patent matters involving pharmaceuticals, biologics, chemical processes, formulations, and emerging technologies. Clients rely on him not only as an advocate in disputes, but also as a strategic advisor who helps evaluate risk, strengthen patent positions, identify opportunities, and make informed business decisions.

David earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Emory University, where his research focused on synthetic organic chemistry and reaction development. He later served as a National Institutes of Health (NIH) postdoctoral fellow at Columbia University, conducting advanced research in combinatorial chemistry, molecular modeling, and enantioselective chemical processes. He subsequently earned his J.D. from Emory University School of Law, where he was a Robert W. Woodruff Fellow and received numerous academic honors in patent law, negotiations, contract drafting, and transactional skills.

Today, David partners with innovative companies ranging from emerging growth ventures to global industry leaders, helping them protect breakthrough technologies, resolve complex patent disputes, and maximize the value of their intellectual property portfolios.