Gerald P. Schneeweis

    Partner
    Morris Polich & Purdy LLP
    San Diego
    Direct: 619.819.2414
    Main: 619.557.0404

    Practice & Industry Focus Biographies:


    Mr. Schneeweis has extensive products liability litigation experience in the representation of life sciences clients in state and federal trial and appellate courts. He also represents pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers in commercial litigation involving claims of trademark infringement and theft of trade secrets. He has successfully represented manufacturers of various prescription medications, including corticosteroids, antibiotics, anti-depressants, birth control, muscle relaxants and anti-seizure products.

    Mr. Schneeweis recently served as national coordinating counsel in multi-plaintiff product liability litigation on behalf of a dermal filler manufacturer/clinical trial sponsor and several of its former officers and directors. Mr. Schneeweis’ 30 years of legal experience includes the representation of manufacturers and research organizers in lawsuits involving cardiovascular surgical adhesive, retinal implants, human tissue processing and spinal stabilization devices, as well as manufacturers of specialty equipment used in pharmaceutical manufacturing. He has also counseled manufacturers on various product liability issues, including adequacy of warnings, marketing and FDA rules on promotion of off-label use.

    View on Website:  Life Sciences

    Education

    • J.D., Southwestern University School of Law, 1981
    • B.A., St. Mary's College, 1976

    Court Admissions

    • United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
    • United States District Court for the Central, Eastern and Southern Districts of California

    Bar Admissions

    • California, 1981
    • Massachusetts, 2008

    Professional Memberships and Activities

    • Association of Business Trial Lawyers
    • Defense Research Institute, Drugs and Devices Section
    • San Diego County Bar Association
    • American Bar Association - Litigation and IP Sections

    Distinctions

    • AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated - Martindale-Hubbell

    Speeches, Publications and Email Alerts

    • "Federal Preemption" and "Off-Label Promotion," online courses on FDA regulations of life sciences companies, San Diego State University Masters' program in Regulatory Affairs, May, 2012 
    • "Justices Limit Exposure of Foreign Businesses to US Litigation," Los Angeles Daily Journal, July 7, 2011
    • Webinar: "Best Practices to Avoid & Minimize Product Liability Litigation: a US and EU Perspective," guest speaker for life sciences industry insurer, May 25, 2011
    • Seminar: "Marketing and Protection of Design Professional Services on the Internet," November, 2008
    • Seminar: "Business Promotion on the Internet," April, 2008
    • "Working With The Physician’s Counsel in Defending 'Off-Label Use' Litigation," Defense Research Institute - Rx for the Defense, October, 2007
    • "Advertising and Business Promotion," Lorman Education Services, Pasadena, California, October, 2002
    • "Working With The Physician in Defending Failure to Warn Cases," Defense Research Institute - Rx for the Defense, May 15, 2002
    • International BIO Conference, New York City, 1998 – Presentation on FDA Compliance
    • International BIO Conference, Seattle, 1999 – Presentation on Biotech Product Liability Issues