WATCH: Strategic protection for life sciences innovations in a changing landscape—trade secrets vs patents

Phil Hamzik, Shareholder at Wolf Greenfield, leads a panel discussion with Adam Gastonguay, Director and Patent Counsel at Regeneron; Paul Fleming, Senior Director of Intellectual Property at Seaport Therapeutics; Robin Weatherhead, Vice President of Intellectual Property and Legal at Ventus Therapeutics; and Erica LoRe, Senior Director and Intellectual Property Counsel at Invivyd.The speakers weigh the benefits of trade secrets—such as avoiding patent office delays and inconsistencies—against the inherent risks of staff turnover and process scrutiny. They share insights into how organisations are shifting their approaches to asset protection under increasing competitive pressure.The conversation also tackles the management and defensive strategies necessary for robust trade secret maintenance, placing particular emphasis on the human element and operational compliance required to protect sensitive innovations.