Maki Imakura

Maki Imakura is a registered USPTO patent attorney who collaborates with entrepreneurs and innovative companies developing cutting-edge technologies. Drawing on an extensive research background in life sciences, oncology, and data-driven drug discovery, Maki provides clients with a unique, highly technical perspective to effectively protect, manage, and leverage their intellectual property assets.

• Patentability Searches & Prior Art Analysis
• Freedom to Operate (FTO) Analyses
• Infringement Risk Assessments
• Patent Application Drafting (Software, Hardware, Life Sciences, & Devices)
• Patent Portfolio Strategy & Outside Counsel Oversight
• Legal & Patentability Opinion Letters

Prior to practicing law, Maki built a distinguished career in cancer research, oncology, and automated drug discovery:

• Rosetta Inpharmatics (Merck & Co., Inc.): Specialized in oncology research, leveraging automation and high-throughput techniques to develop and execute Merck’s first genome-scale siRNA screen.
• Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute & University of Washington: Conducted advanced laboratory research, including analyzing HIV-1 vpr gene mutants to evaluate nuclear import and export mechanisms.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) – Seattle University School of Law
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cellular & Molecular Biology (Minor in Chemistry) – University of Washington

• Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
• Washington State Bar
• U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington