Michael Best Welcomes Mark Hanson as Senior Counsel in Intellectual Property Practice 

Michael Best is pleased to announce that Mark Hanson has joined the firm’s Salt Lake City office as Senior Counsel in the Intellectual Property practice. Mark focuses his practice on intellectual property strategy, with an emphasis on building and managing patent portfolios for life sciences and advanced technology clients. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Mark to the IP team as his ability to align patent portfolio development with business and commercialization goals makes him a valuable addition to our IP team,” said Glen Weitzer, Partner and IP Practice Group Chair at Michael Best. “His deep experience in helping clients strengthen their competitive position and maximize the value of their intellectual property will enhance our team’s capabilities.”  

Mark advises startups, established companies, and research institutions on protecting innovations across chemical, biochemical, pharmaceutical, gene therapy, and biomedical technologies. His work includes drafting and prosecuting international patent portfolios, conducting freedom‑to‑operate analyses, IP landscape reviews, and competitive diligence, as well as counseling clients on licensing and monetization strategies. 

“Mark’s arrival reflects the growing demand in Salt Lake City for strategic intellectual property counsel,” said Steven Joffee, Managing Partner of Michael Best’s Salt Lake City office. “His strong understanding of how intellectual property intersects with business and litigation strategy will strengthen our capabilities in the region and supports our continued investment in the Salt Lake City market.” 

He earned his J.D. from Chicago‑Kent College of Law and holds a Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of California San Diego, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts Boston.