Intellectual Property and Biotech Law Committee provides education, legislative guidance, public outreach

The fields of intellectual property and biotechnology are rapidly changing, impacting numerous areas and organizations. In agricultural biotechnology, individuals are creating and submitting patents on biotech innovations. IP protection and biotech law help cultivate cutting-edge research at Missouri’s significant life sciences and medical research institutions. IP protection is also vital for Missouri’s growing number of tech startups, allowing them to secure funding and protect their innovations. 

The biotech and life sciences sectors create high-paying, highly skilled jobs in Missouri, contributing significantly to the state’s economy. Legal protections for IP and biotech innovations ensure that Missouri remains a competitive place for biotech companies to operate, helping to attract investment, talent, and research dollars. 

The Intellectual Property and Biotech Law Committee addresses key legal issues in these fields, which are critical in innovation, economic growth, and the protection of rights related to inventions, research, and technological advancements. 

The Intellectual Property and Biotech Law Committee is part of The Missouri Bar’s Business/Corporate Division. It is an open enrollment committee, meaning any Missouri Bar member can join. The committee has about 400 members, with most located in Missouri, but many are spread throughout the country and the world. 

Robyn Ast-Gmoser, who has been an IP professional in the St. Louis area for more than 15 years, said she is excited to serve as committee co-chair. 

“I’m looking forward to both expanding my network and to collaborating with like-minded professionals, exchanging ideas, and contributing to key conversations about intellectual property and biotechnology topics that impact both Missouri clients and Missouri residents,” Ast-Gmoser said. 

The committee hosts several education and professional development opportunities throughout the year, helping lawyers stay updated on the latest developments in IP and biotech law. The committee co-chairs anticipate offering CLE credit, including ethics credit, during their next meeting on Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. via Zoom. All committee meetings are open to any Missouri Bar member to attend at no cost . Committee membership is encouraged, but not required. Registration will be available soon at mobar.org/fcm24. 

Matt Braunel, the other co-chair of the committee, has been an IP practitioner in the state since 2001 and said he has an interest in all aspects of IP law. 

“Right now, I am particularly excited about the evolving intersection of IP and artificial intelligence (AI), especially generative AI technologies,” Braunel said. “These advancements are transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, and the legal landscape is rapidly adapting to keep up.” 

By applying IP laws to AI, Braunel said, innovators can be properly recognized and rewarded for their contributions while fostering a legal framework that encourages further technological breakthroughs. 

Braunel said generative AI presents unique challenges and opportunities in the world of IP, from the protection of AI-generated works to patenting AI-driven innovations. 

“I’m thrilled to be part of the Missouri community that is at the forefront of addressing these issues, as we shape the future of how AI technologies are protected and commercialized,” Braunel said. “The potential to combine cutting-edge technology with robust legal protections is what makes this field so exciting, and I look forward to exploring these opportunities alongside my fellow committee members.” 

The committee provides a forum where lawyers, judges, government officials, and other stakeholders involved in IP and biotech law can connect. This helps lawyers build valuable professional relationships, share case strategies, and collaborate on common challenges. 

This collaboration allows members of the committee to find ways to better serve their clients by examining proposed laws, offering input on legislation, and drafting preliminary legislative proposals related to the IP and biotech fields of law. Committee-endorsed proposals can then be published for review and comment by members of The Missouri Bar (including the Government Relations Committee, the Legislative Review Committee, and the Board of Governors) and other relevant stakeholders. 

Finally, the committee engages in public outreach, providing resources and informational content to educate both the public and lawyers on important topics like IP rights, patent protections, and biotech regulations. Through these efforts, lawyers are able to help the public better understand the legal frameworks surrounding IP and biotech innovations, further enriching the public’s understanding of these critical areas. In this way, participation in the committee provides Missouri lawyers with valuable resources to improve their practice, expand their knowledge, and influence the future of IP and biotech law in the state. 

To learn more about and join The Missouri Bar’s open enrollment committees, visit MoBar.org/Committees-Sections.