Meet Lisa Mueller

Lisa stands as one of the most distinguished voices in intellectual property law, bringing over 30 years of strategic excellence to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical patent landscape. As a Shareholder at Casimir Jones, she has established herself not only as a premier legal strategist but as a transformative thought leader who bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and market-ready innovation.

Unparalleled Legal Expertise

Lisa has carved out a reputation as the go-to counsel for the world's most complex patent challenges. Her expertise spans the full spectrum of life sciences innovation:

  • Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals: Strategic counsel on blockbuster drug patent protection, freedom-to-operate analysis, and global portfolio management

  • Diagnostics and Personalized Medicine: Pioneering work in in vitro diagnostic patent protection across multiple jurisdictions

  • Agricultural Sciences: Comprehensive plant patent and plant variety protection strategies

  • Medical Devices and Food Science: Cross-industry innovation protection and regulatory guidance

Her client roster includes global pharmaceutical giants, university research institutions, and groundbreaking startups, all of which seek her unmatched ability to navigate the intersection of complex science and evolving patent law.

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Published Authority and Global Recognition

Lisa's intellectual contributions to patent law are both extensive and internationally recognized. As the author and editor of "Global Patent Protection and Enforcement of In Vitro Diagnostic Inventions" published by Wolters Kluwer (2019), she has created the definitive global resource for one of the most challenging areas in patent law. This comprehensive work examines patentability requirements across nine major worldwide markets, providing practical guidance that has become essential reading for patent practitioners globally.

Her thought leadership extends through multiple channels:

  • Patent Panorama Blog: Providing cutting-edge insights on global patent developments in life sciences

  • Peer-Reviewed Publications: Extensive portfolio of articles in leading IP publication

Media Innovation and Industry Leadership

As the host of "AUTM on the Air," Lisa has revolutionized how the technology transfer community shares knowledge and builds connections. Since launching the podcast in March 2020, she has conducted over 250 conversations with technology transfer professionals, patent attorneys, innovators, and industry leaders. Her podcast has become the premier platform for discussing research commercialization, bringing critical conversations about innovation to a global audience.

This media excellence has earned her recognition as a master communicator who can translate complex patent concepts into actionable insights for diverse audiences, from C-suite executives to emerging researchers.

Transformative Educational Leadership

Lisa's commitment to expanding access to patent law careers culminated in her creation of the Casimir Jones Life Sciences Patent Academy. This groundbreaking free 15-week program has become a model for diversity and inclusion in legal education. The Academy represents her vision of making patent law more accessible to diverse candidates, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM fields.

Award-Winning Excellence and Industry Recognition

Lisa's exceptional contributions have earned her the highest honors in intellectual property and technology transfer:

  • AUTM Volunteer of the Year (2025): The organization's highest honor for outstanding leadership and contributions to the organization

  • Women in IP Leadership (2025): Featured in Patent Law Magazine for her industry leadership

  • IAM 1000 – Wisconsin (2024, 2025): Recognition among the world's leading patent professionals

  • WIPR Diversity Champion (2023): Acknowledging her transformative work in advancing inclusion

  • WIPR Influential Women in IP (2022): Celebrating her impact on the intellectual property profession

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pioneer

Lisa's leadership extends far beyond traditional legal practice into transformative work advancing diversity and inclusion across the IP landscape. Her current leadership roles demonstrate her commitment to systemic change:

  • Chair, AUTM Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Committee (2023-2025): Leading initiatives to create more inclusive technology transfer ecosystems

  • Chair, AIPPI Diversity & Inclusion Initiative Committee (2023-2026): Driving global change in intellectual property organizations

Her speaking engagements on neurodiversity, inclusive workplace strategies, and breaking down barriers in STEM fields have won awards and recognition, including the 2025 Chapter Achievement Award for Most Innovative Programming Effort at the ACC SFBA Life Sciences Conference.

Global Thought Leadership

Lisa's influence extends internationally through her speaking engagements at the world's most prestigious IP conferences and organizations:

  • Japanese Patent Office (2025): "Legislative Proposals to Address Drug Prices in the U.S."

  • IPO Annual Meeting (2025): "The Role of Patents in Pharmaceutical Innovation, Drug Pricing, and Market Exclusivity"

  • BIO International Convention (2025): "Fueling Innovation: Strategies for Funding Academic Spin Outs"

Her presentations consistently draw standing-room-only audiences and generate industry-wide discussions on critical issues facing the IP community.

Creative Expression and Personal Passion Projects

Beyond her professional achievements, Lisa demonstrates remarkable creative versatility through her forthcoming children's book, "Katie's Rainbow: A Story of Love and Family" (October 2025). This heartwarming story follows Katie, a little girl born with Down Syndrome, and her loving family as they navigate challenges with unconditional love and acceptance. The book serves as both a touching family story and an educational resource, reflecting Lisa's commitment to inclusion and diversity that extends into every aspect of her life.

Vision for the Future

Lisa represents the future of intellectual property law—one where technical excellence meets inclusive leadership, where global expertise serves diverse communities, and where innovation creates pathways for broader participation in the patent system. Her work continues to shape not only individual cases and clients, but also the entire trajectory of how the intellectual property profession evolves to meet tomorrow's challenges.

Through her unique combination of deep technical knowledge, strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion, Lisa has established herself as an indispensable voice in life sciences patent law and a transformative leader whose influence extends far beyond traditional legal practice. She embodies the intersection of legal excellence, thought leadership, and social impact that defines the most influential professionals of our time.