Danica Harbaugh

Informed by her multidisciplinary background as a botanist, molecular biologist, inventor, and entrepreneur, Danica Harbaugh helps clients protect a broad array of products, processes, and technologies. Her expertise spans life sciences, software, and hardware, including AI and machine learning applications, next-generation DNA sequencing, natural products, foods, plants, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and product compositions. 

Danica's practice includes drafting and prosecuting patent applications and providing patent litigation support for individual inventors and early-stage start-ups to multinational corporations, both in the United States and internationally. As an inventor and entrepreneur herself, Danica has built her own global patent portfolio, giving her firsthand insight into the challenges and strategies involved in protecting innovations worldwide.  

Prior to joining Ashurst Perkins Coie, Danica was founder and CEO of two technology startups, where she developed novel DNA-based testing procedures and AI-enabled testing devices for product verification and regulatory compliance. She also served as global director of scientific innovation at a nonprofit standards and certification company and oversaw material quality control for a botanical pharmaceutical company.