Sharon Crane is a counsel in the Intellectual Property Practice Group in Haynes Boone’s Washington, D.C. office. Her practice focuses on patent and trademark prosecution, opinion work, patent interferences, and post-grant practice at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Sharon also provides discerning representation to clients in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Prior to law school, Sharon received a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Biology, studied neuroscience in graduate school, and ultimately obtained a Ph.D. in molecular biology and genetics from Johns Hopkins Medical School, focusing on the biology of lentiviruses. After a post-doc at a large pharmaceutical company, she became a technical specialist at an IP boutique while she attended George Washington Law School. The depth and breadth of her scientific background allows her to effectively counsel her clients in the complex process of translating their innovations into patent applications that are critical to their business development. Sharon is passionate about issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) in the legal profession, particularly with regard to the mentoring and inclusion of women. As Deputy Secretary General of Fédération Internationale des Conseils en Propriété Intellectuelle (FICPI), she also co-chairs their DEIA and webinar committees, and is a key player in the planning and oversight of patent sessions which are a significant part of FICPI’s global meetings.