Kevin Buckley, J.D.

Founder & Senior US Patent Attorney

kevin@torreypineslaw.com
main: +1 (858) 869-1250

Kevin Buckley is an accomplished intellectual property, transactional, and FDA regulatory attorney having over two decades of experience advising clients at the forefront of innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health. As the founder and managing shareholder of Torrey Pines Law Group, Kevin has established a globally recognized legal practice distinguished by Chambers® as one of California's leading intellectual property law firms.

Kevin brings a unique blend of legal acumen and executive experience to his practice. He has held leadership roles as an executive in a biopharmaceutical company, a software-as-a-medical-device (SaMD) company specializing in AI-enabled breast cancer detection, and an AI-driven precision medicine company, where he helped guide each organization from concept to commercial sales. Additionally, he served as Chief Legal Officer for a large university research foundation known for its advancements in laser, optics, and simulation technologies. These roles have equipped Kevin with invaluable insights into the operational and strategic challenges faced by technology innovators, enabling him to deliver sophisticated legal solutions that align with his clients’ business objectives.

Before founding Torrey Pines Law Group in 2013, Kevin held senior positions in leading international law firms. At Dentons, he managed complex cross-border intellectual property, transactional, litigation, and regulatory matters. At Spencer Fane LLP, he established and led the firm’s Life Sciences Practice. Prior to his legal career, Kevin worked as a biochemist specializing in immuno-oncology, RNA-derived antiviral therapeutics, and bioinformatics systems - experience that underpins his deep technical expertise and ability to advise on cutting-edge scientific innovations.

Kevin’s practice encompasses patent preparation and prosecution, technology licensing, investment due diligence, regulatory compliance, and business strategy. He has advised Fortune 500 companies, venture-backed startups, and premier research institutions on matters ranging from intellectual property portfolio development to FDA submissions and global market entry strategies. His clients include leaders in AI-driven healthcare solutions, life sciences innovation, and precision medicine.

Beyond his legal practice, Kevin serves as an advisor to Aquillius Ventures, a MedTech venture capital firm, and UC San Diego’s Institute for the Global Entrepreneur. He has also served as an academic advisor to entrepreneurship initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School of Business, Law School, and Perelman School of Medicine) and as an adjunct professor of Biotechnology Law at Washington University School of Law. His accomplishments have earned him recognition in The Best Lawyers in America®, as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star, and among “40 Under Forty” by the St. Louis Business Journal.

Kevin earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry/Chemistry from UC San Diego as an undergraduate Research Scholar conducting advanced biochemistry research. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law where he served  as Editor-in-Chief of the Pittsburgh Journal of Technology Law & Policy. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and is licensed to practice law in Missouri and before the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.

Under Kevin’s leadership, Torrey Pines Law Group has grown into a multidisciplinary team recognized for navigating complex legal challenges and delivering innovative solutions that help clients bring lifesaving, enduring, and commercially valuable technologies to market.