Management Human Resource
Resume:
Debra K. Winters, Ph.D., J.D.
Fayetteville, AR 72703
***********@*****.***
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COUNSEL
Proven success in intellectual property management, including
patents, trademarks, copyrights, and licensing
Solutions-focused Company Counsel and Patent Attorney with proven success
in applying unique broad-based perspective in both law and science to
maximize cost-savings. Self-starter with solid track record of proactively
identifying issues and providing strategic business and legal advice to
inventors and senior executives. Motivated leader with extensive
experience identifying and pursuing strategic licensing opportunities and
liaising with outside counsel. Adept at motivating and energizing diverse
cross-functional teams as a key resource, critical thinker, accomplished
multi-tasker, and out-of-the-box problem solver.
Core Competencies and Areas of Expertise
. Intellectual Property Management . Creative Problem Solving
. Patent Prosecution . Negotiations / Mediations / Settlements
. Establishment of Patent Policy . Staff Training & Motivation
. Technology Licensing . Regulatory Compliance/Risk Management
. Patentability/Freedom to Operate Opinions . New Technology
Evaluation from Concept
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Virtual Incubation Company, LLC
Company Counsel and Patent Attorney (2006-Present)
Recruited to maintain full accountability for handling all aspects of day-
to-day corporate legal matters, within the Healthcare/Medical Services,
including Biotechnology and Engineering. Quickly promoted due to
exceptional performance and dedication, managing a team with strong focus
on optimizing productivity, enforcing IP rights and avoiding infringement
of others IP rights. Demonstrate sharp legal acumen in overseeing[pic] all
Intellectual Property, including patents and trademarks. Design and
implement new policies for patents and trademarks. Perform comprehensive
legal research and analysis of complex issues, and utilize findings to
prepare, negotiate, and execute legal documents such as non-
disclosure/confidentiality agreements and material transfer agreements.
Submit patent applications and commercialize patentable inventions.
. Successfully designed and managed a licensing program for company's
technology portfolio valued at $10 million.
. Proficiently supervised a broad spectrum of transactional and
litigation matters, as well as preparing and updating investment
documents including tax and security issues with million dollar
investments.
. Diligently prepared patent licenses and agreements and performed
comprehensive clearance searches and opinions with U.S. and
international research institutions.
. Actively liaised between various departments to provide legal
counseling on Immigration and Human Resource issues.
Roll Off Service, Inc.
Corporate Counsel (2004-2006)
Played a key role in serving as counsel to the company president in
accordance with organizational goals. Instrumental in negotiating
settlement, thereby saving substantial costs associated with trial and
possible appeals.
. Managed and resolved all legal corporate transactional and litigation
matters including an appeal before the Arkansas Court of Appeals.
. Demonstrated strong case management and negotiation skills in
designing litigation strategies and resolving cases through
settlement, mediation, arbitration, and trials.
. Interfaced with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to
insure environmental compliance.
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479-***-**** Debra K. Winters, Ph.D., J.D.
***********@*****.***
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
-Continued-
Blakely, Sokoloff, Zafman & Taylor, LLPC - Denver, CO
Law Clerk (2003-2004)
Exhibited solid critical thinking skills and sharp attention to detail in
effectively researching and drafting intellectual property law memoranda,
performing patent searches, and preparing patent applications.
Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, LLPC - Little Rock, AR
Law Clerk (2002)
Proactively supported attorneys in all facets of litigation matters by
researching sophisticated legal issues, as well as drafting memos, motions,
complaints, and answers.
Extern - Judge Rick Taylor for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District
of Arkansas - Fayetteville, AR (2002)
Attended trial proceedings and researched legal issues to aid law clerks
and Judge in their decision making regarding the future of pending cases.
Scientific Experience (Select List)
Research Professor - University of Arkansas, Biol. Sciences Dept.; Joint
Depart. Food Science Dept./Arkansas Biotechnology Center/Poultry Science
Depts.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Research and
Teaching in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology/Pharmacology and Systems
Therapeutics Dept. NIH Post-doctoral Training Fellowship
EDUCATION
J.D., magna cum laude - University of Arkansas School of Law
Honors/Activities: Joe C. Barrett Graduation Award for Commercial
Transactions, Arkansas Law Review, Jim G. Ferguson Scholarship, Trial and
Negotiation Competition Participant, Legal Clinic Attorney.
Ph.D., magna cum laude - Biochemistry/Molecular Biology - University of
Georgia, Athens, GA
Activities: Graduate Research Assistant.
B.S., Biology, magna cum laude - Wofford College, Spartanburg, SC
Honors: Academic Scholarship, United Methodist Scholarship
BAR ADMISSIONS
Arkansas State Court, Western and Eastern Districts of Arkansas, United
States Patent and Trademark Office
PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC AFFILIATIONS
Professional Societies: Arkansas Bar Assoc., Environmental Law,
Intellectual Property and, In-House Attorney Sections, Debtor Creditor Bar,
American Bar Assoc., Phi Delta Phi, Leflar Inn, Fed. Amer. Societies Exptl.
Biology, Amer. Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Civic Activities: Fayetteville Rotary Club, Board of Directors,
Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Fayetteville Class XVIII,
Honor Graduate, Race for the Cure Steering Committee, Montessori School
Board of Directors, Science Fair Judge, Odyssey of the Mind Coach,
Fayetteville Soccer Assoc. Board of Directors, Pres., and V. P., Soccer
Coach, Basketball Coach, Environmental Concerns Committee.
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