New Partner Q&A: Justin Culbertson, Ph.D.

Describe your practice: What type of work do you do, and how do you help clients?

I specialize in intellectual property law, with a focus on patent prosecution, strategic counseling, and global patent portfolio management. My practice spans the chemical, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and biotechnology industries. I work with a diverse range of clients—from startups developing their core intellectual property portfolios to established companies looking to strengthen and enforce their IP assets.

I help clients navigate complex patent landscapes, ensuring their innovations are protected and positioned for market success. This includes managing international patent prosecution in over 40 jurisdictions, conducting due diligence, providing patentability analyses, and advising on licensing opportunities. My goal is to align clients’ IP strategies with their business objectives, empowering them to innovate with confidence.

?

Tell us about your career path.

My career path has been shaped by a blend of technical expertise and a passion for helping innovators protect their ideas.?My initial career goal was to be a scientist. I loved the idea of making medicine since I made acetaminophen at the University of Montana, and thought that is what I would do with my career. Between undergraduate and graduate school, I gained hands-on experience in the pharmaceutical industry working at GlaxoSmithKline. At the University of California, Davis, I pursued my chemistry Ph.D. where I conducted interdisciplinary research on enzyme inhibitors. While in graduate school, I attended an IP symposium which sparked my interest in IP law. This interest led me pursue a J.D. at the University of Illinois College of Law where I concurrently taught organic chemistry at Parkland College, which helped me hone my ability to communicate complex concepts clearly – a skill I use daily in my practice. I started with Knobbe Martens in 2016 and returned to the firm in 2019 after working at a large general practice firm in Phoenix, AZ.??

?

What has been your proudest professional achievement?

One of my proudest professional achievements has been helping a startup client successfully navigate a highly competitive patent landscape and go from a few patent applications to a couple hundred IP assets. By collaborating closely with their team, I was able to secure key patent protections, allowing them to move forward with confidence in launching their innovative product. Seeing how our work helped them attract investment and grow their business was incredibly rewarding. On a personal level, becoming a partner at Knobbe Martens has been a significant milestone. It represents not only professional growth but also the trust and confidence my clients and colleagues place in me.?

?

What traits and habits helped you on your path to partner?

Persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence have been critical traits in my journey. My scientific background taught me the importance of analytical thinking and attention to detail, which are essential in patent law. Additionally, I’ve always made it a priority to build strong relationships with clients by being approachable, responsive, and solutions-oriented. Continuous learning has also been key. Whether staying updated on the latest developments in IP law or expanding my understanding of new technologies, I’ve maintained a curious and proactive mindset. Lastly, receiving mentorship and mentoring others—whether students, colleagues, or clients—has reinforced my dedication to collaboration and leadership, which has been integral to my path to partnership.

?

What is something you enjoy doing outside of the office?

Spending time with my wife and kids, multi-day road trips, exploring the great outdoors, audiobooks, and going on walks.