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Home » Nathan Martin, PhD – Director of Patent Innovation and Startups

Nathan Martin, PhD – Director of Patent Innovation and Startups

Director of Patent Innovation and Startups

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Pathobiology

Nathan Martin, Ph.D.

Startup & Patent Scientist | Biotechnology Specialist | Intellectual Property Strategist

Professional Overview

Nathan is a strategic innovation and business development leader at Feeney IP Law, where he helps startups and emerging technology teams translate complex scientific advances into clear, defensible intellectual property. With a background spanning research, patent drafting, and early‑stage technology evaluation, he works closely with founders, attorneys, and R&D leaders to shape IP strategy, strengthen competitive positioning, and support the firm’s broader business development initiatives. His role centers on guiding clients through the patent process with technical precision, commercial awareness, and a focus on long‑term portfolio growth.  

Intellectual Property Expertise

Nathan has hands‑on experience across the patent lifecycle, supporting inventors, researchers, and early‑stage companies as they develop and protect emerging technologies. He supports the teams with:

  • Conducting prior art and landscape searches
  • Assessing technical novelty and commercial potential
  • Supporting IP strategy development for scientific and early‑stage innovations
  • Collaborating closely with attorneys, founders, and R&D teams
  • Reviewing technical documents, drawings, and prototypes to capture inventive concepts

Nathan joined Feeney IP Law after serving as a Patent Scientist at Foley & Lardner, where he supported patent drafting and prosecution for biotechnology and life‑science clients. Before that, he worked as a Technology Specialist at Wolf Greenfield, analyzing emerging life‑science technologies for patentability and commercial potential and contributing to IP strategy for biotech and med‑tech clients. Earlier in his career, he completed the Patent Agent Training Program at Feeney IP Law, gaining practical experience with patent development, technical documentation, and foundational IP research.  

Scientific Background

Nathan earned his Ph.D. in Pathobiology from Brown University, where he studied how environmental exposures influence neural development and brain function. His doctoral work in the Plavicki Lab used zebrafish (Danio rerio) models to investigate how early toxicant exposure shapes neural circuitry and behavior, applying tools such as confocal microscopy, molecular and genetic analyses, and high‑resolution imaging.

He brings additional research experience from Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Keene State College, and Hobart & William Smith Colleges, where he supported projects in immunology, toxicology, environmental health, and molecular biology. Across these roles, he gained hands‑on experience with laboratory operations, data analysis, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration—expertise that now informs his ability to evaluate complex technologies and translate scientific insights into strategic intellectual property.

Research & Industry Experience

Nathan’s scientific career extends beyond academia into applied research and lab management:

Keene State College – Research Associate & Laboratory Manager
He led research into the chemical, physical, and toxicological properties of biodiesel and diesel emissions while overseeing lab operations, SOP development, and undergraduate mentorship

Dartmouth College – Laboratory Technician (Immunology & Microbiology)
Nathan supported immunology researchers with flow cytometry and laboratory processes, including reagent preparation, equipment training, and general lab operations.

Professional Strengths

  • Deep expertise in biotechnology, toxicology, neurobiology, and environmental health sciences
  • Strong scientific communication skills—translating complex research into clear, actionable IP materials
  • Experience mentoring research teams and collaborating across interdisciplinary environments
  • Passion for accelerating innovation through precise and strategic IP protection

EDUCATION

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Pathobiology
    Brown University
  • B.S. Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Biology/Biological Sciences
    Hobart and William Smith Colleges

* Nathan Martin is not a financial partner with Feeney Law Group (Feeney IP Law)

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