With a strong foundation in the technical and legal dimensions of intellectual property, Malaika Tyson provides clients with a comprehensive perspective of every matter. She is committed to providing strategic counsel that aligns with clients’ broader business goals and offering guidance through complex IP landscapes. Known for her thoughtful, tailored approach, Malaika takes the time to understand each client’s unique challenges and objectives, recognizing that no two are the same. According to one client, “Malaika strongly advocates on our behalf, and [we] feel completely insulated in the matters of Intellectual Property. She is forward-thinking, thorough and supportive.”

Malaika Tyson is a partner at Lathrop GPM, whose practice centers on corporate intellectual property (IP) and patent protection strategies. She works with clients ranging from early-stage startups to global enterprises, including research institutions, universities and multinational corporations. Her practice spans the full spectrum of IP services, where she provides:

  • Competitive IP analysis
  • Guidance on complex IP transactions
  • Licensing
  • Patent and trademark prosecution
  • Portfolio management
  • Trade secret program development

Clients value Malaika’s ability to distill complex technical subject matter into actionable legal strategy, particularly in the life science, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemical and material sciences and consumer goods industries.

With a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Purdue University and a J.D. from The University of Chicago Law School, Malaika brings a strong foundation in science and law to her work. She previously worked as a senior research and development scientist at MilliporeSigma Biotechnology, leading product development initiatives for biopharmaceutical applications.

Clients benefit from her integrated approach to IP strategy and she regularly advises on technologies such as:

  • Analytical instrumentation and detection devices
  • Animal biotechnology
  • Antibodies and Biologics
  • Cell Biology
  • Chemical technologies
  • Consumables
  • Diagnostic and imaging agents
  • Drug-delivery materials
  • Medical devices
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Proteomics and protein chemistry
  • Vaccines

Whether managing a global patent portfolio or advising on strategic IP positioning in a transaction, Malaika brings clarity, responsiveness and a business-forward mindset to every engagement.

Areas of Focus

Experience

  • Senior Research and Development Scientist at Sigma-Aldrich Biotechnology, Proteomics Group

Credentials

Education

  • The University of Chicago Law School (J.D.)
  • Washington University School of Law (IP and Technology Law Graduate Program)
  • Purdue University (Ph.D., Chemistry)
  • Hampton University (B.S., Chemistry)

Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois
  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Recognitions

  • Crain's Chicago Business, "Notable Women in Law," 2024
  • Illinois Super Lawyers, 2023-2025
  • IAM, "Strategy 300: Global Leader Recommended," 2022-2025
    • "Patent 1000: Recommended," 2023-2024
  • World Trademark Review, "1000 Recommended," 2023-2024
  • World IP Review, "Influential Women in IP," 2023
  • Chicago Daily Law Bulletin & Chicago Lawyer Women's Advisory Board, Top 50 Women in the Law Award Honoree, 2021

Presentations

  • Presenter, "Skinny Labels and Infringement Liability: Moving Forward After GSK v Teva," Consero IP Life Sciences Forum, 2024
  • Presenter, "Proceed with Caution: How In re Cellect Will Affect Your IP Moving Forward," Consero IP Life Sciences Round Table, 2024
  • Presenter, "Exploring the Top Legal, Regulatory and Policy Concerns Keeping the Industry Up at Night in 2024," ACI Women Leaders in Life Sciences Law, 2024
  • Presenter, "Unlocking the Potential: Exploring Generative AI Applications and Implications for Life Sciences and Healthcare," Consero IP Life Sciences Forum, 2023
  • Presenter, "Intergenerational Interactions in the Workplace." Women, Diversity & Change Summit Chicago, June 2019
  • Moderator, "Three Takes on Practicing Mindfulness," Collation of Women's Initiative in Law, May 2019
  • Moderator, "Managing Electronic And In-Person Distractions As An IP Attorney," AIPLA,  April 2018
  • Presenter, "AIPLA: Biotech IPRS; What have we learned?" August 2017

Publications

Professional Activities

  • American Bar Association, Section of Intellectual Property Law, Council Member
  • American Intellectual Property Law Association, Biotechnology Section
  • Black Women Lawyers Association, Member
  • Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms, Vice President of Board of Directors
  • Cook County Bar Association, Member
  • National Bar Association, Member
  • The Coalition of Women in Law, National Co-Chair and Chicago Representative

Community Involvement

  • Bottom Line Chicago, Founding Member and Emerging Leaders Council
  • Chicago Committee, Board of Directors Member
  • Chicago House and Social Service Agency, Trustee
  • The Coalition of Women's Initiatives in Law, President (Chicago Chapter) & National Board Member