IP Strategy for Biotech, Med-Tech & Tech Firms

Patents & IP Protection

We help innovators protect their most valuable assets with smart, stage-specific patent strategies. From drafting and prosecution to portfolio management and enforcement, we bring deep technical expertise and a sharp commercial lens. With cross-border experience in both U.S., Canadian and European systems, we ensure your innovations are protected where they matter most—supporting your growth now and into the future.

Trademarks & Brand Protection

A strong brand deserves strong protection. We work with clients to secure and defend their trademarks across key markets, helping to build distinct, enduring brand assets. Whether you're launching a new product or scaling globally, we provide strategic advice on clearance, registration, enforcement, and portfolio management—ensuring your brand is protected and positioned for long-term value.

IP Transactions & Licensing

Your intellectual property has real commercial value—and we help you capture it. We advise on licensing agreements, institutional tech transfer, acquisitions, and collaborative R&D deals, structuring each arrangement to reflect your business objectives. Our deep legal and industry knowledge ensures your rights are protected while unlocking opportunities for revenue, scale, and strategic partnership.

IP Due Diligence

We work with investors, acquirers, and companies to evaluate the strength, scope, and risks associated with IP assets. Whether it’s part of a funding round, M&A deal, or internal audit, we provide focused, clear analysis that highlights red flags, validates value, and supports smart decision-making. Our dual legal and technical expertise ensures nothing gets overlooked.

Strategic Guidance

This is where we really shine. IP is more than just protection—it’s a core part of your business strategy. We work closely with founders, executives, and in-house teams to develop long-term IP roadmaps that evolve with your business. From competitive positioning to international expansion, we help you align your IP approach with your commercial goals—proactively, not reactively. Our longest-running clients think of us as business partners… and as friends too!

Start-ups

We work closely with startups to build strong, scalable IP foundations from day one. Whether it’s protecting your first invention or navigating early funding rounds, we provide clear, business-aligned guidance that evolves with your company.

Growing Companies

As your company grows, so do your IP needs. We help you strategically manage and leverage your portfolio—aligning patents, trademarks, and licensing with commercial goals, global expansion, and long-term positioning.

Investors

We support investors with focused IP due diligence—assessing risks, opportunities, and portfolio strength. Our cross-border expertise ensures you have the insight needed to make informed, strategic decisions in technologically and strategically complex sectors.

about

We’re a different kind of IP partner – blending legal expertise with real-world strategy to help innovators protect, position, and grow what they’ve built.

Led by Julian Forman, an IP lawyer with over 25 years of experience, 49th Parallel IP brings deep expertise in biotech, med tech, and technology law. Julian has worked in senior roles at major international firms, advising on both IP and business strategy across borders. Today, he leads a firm built for innovators—offering the sharp legal insight and strategic thinking needed to turn ideas into lasting advantage.

Julian is admitted to the State Bar of California since 2002, as a Registered Attorney to the United States Patent and Trademark Office since 2008, and to the Law Society of British Columbia as a Practitioner of Foreign Law.

While our core experience is in biotech, med tech, and pharma, we also work with innovators in software, consumer products, and industrial automation. Our clients span Canada, the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia, where we’re best placed to advise on global IP strategy with a strong U.S. foundation.

25+

Years of experience in IP law

90%

clients return for ongoing strategic work

15+

startups supported from seed to Series B

1000+

Patent applications filed/prosecuted

2500+

Trademark applications filed/prosecuted

Client Experience

Julian has been our go-to IP counsel since the early days of Sens.ai. What sets him apart isn't just his technical knowledge, it's that he understands the business context behind every patent and trademark decision. He's helped us move quickly when timing is critical, and think strategically about our IP portfolio as we've grown.

Corey Julihn

CTO, sens.ai Inc.

I’ve worked with Julian for more than 10 years in connection with multiple med tech projects. He is rigorous and insightful in his approach to IP law and understands the interface between companies and academic institutions. Julian also demonstrates a love for learning about new technology and is always eager to hear about my new projects.

Dr. Brian Wilson

Professor of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto and Senior Scientist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

We engaged Julian to manage our IP portfolio because we wanted a lawyer who would partner with us on a strategic approach to our most valuable asset. This has paid off – Julian works closely with us to understand our business and pays attention to the details as well. He is persistent in pursuing the best possible patent claims for Noleus and supports us on our company journey

Dr. Swarna Balasubramaniam

Founder and CEO, Noleus Technologies

As our IP counsel, Julian is deeply integrated in our business. He supports us not only with patents and trademarks, but with related mandates like tech transfer and strategic partnerships. Julian is also a valued colleague and friend and a true asset to our company.

Dr. Stefan Weber

CEO, Cascination AG

IP strategy that protects, positions, and propels.

We help tech companies turn ideas into advantage with expert cross-border IP guidance.

We guide founders, teams, and investors through every stage of the IP journey.

We’re a different kind of IP partner – blending legal expertise with real-world strategy to help innovators protect, position, and grow what they’ve built.

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