John Kirkland is director of intellectual property at Alkermes in Waltham, Massachusetts. At Alkermes, Kirkland has responsibility for all aspects of US patent disputes, in judicial and administrative tribunals. Prior to joining Alkermes, he was counsel at Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper & Scinto, where he advised clients in all aspects of IP matters, including disputes arising under the Hatch-Waxman Act.