IPLOVER Foreign Expert: Path in Dual Jurisdictions Patent Law

Wei Wu, an individual with a passion for intellectual property, has been graciously appointed as the inaugural Foreign Expert at IPLOVER. Presently, she is contributing her skills as a U.S. patent attorney at Fulton Jeang PLLC. Her professional journey has led her to work on an assortment of technologies that span gene editing, biomedical engineering, medical physics, and computer software-related issues. Wei does not limit herself to patent practice alone but also extends her expertise to managing our firm’s operations within the Chinese market. She is steadily gaining proficiency in patent and trademark laws.

Wei is also an ardent learner, holding a master’s degree in Preventive Veterinary Medicine and a juris doctor degree from Texas A&M School of Law. Her thirst for knowledge has led her to pursue a second master’s degree in information studies. With a humble heart, Wei serves a diverse client base, ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies, safeguarding their most precious intellectual property assets.

IPLOVER conducted an interview session with Wei to make members of IPLOVER understand her more and get a chance to learn from her very unique path:

What inspired your career?
I have always been passionate about research and problem-solving. During my graduate studies, I worked tirelessly in the lab, studying and experimenting with Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus (TGEV), the swine coronavirus, and its potential implications for public health. My determination paid off as I published several impactful papers that garnered widespread attention within the scientific community. My work became the foundation for the development of a swine coronavirus vaccine, which proved invaluable during the Covid pandemic. Additionally, I developed an antibody and helped create a quick and accurate diagnostic kit that could swiftly detect the virus. I admired the countless scientists, inventors, and innovative companies whose efforts have made the world better. Fascinated by the idea of safeguarding innovation and contributing to the progress of science and technology, I became intrigued by the role of a patent examiner. Years of academic research and problem-solving helped me succeed in passing the demanding exams and securing a position as a patent examiner. I thrived in my new role and felt a profound sense of responsibility, knowing that my decisions could change the future of various industries. I truly enjoyed being on the frontlines of innovation, analyzing and granting patents for groundbreaking inventions that could shape the world.

How have you found the pathway to your current position? And can you offer advice from your experience?
I was fortunate enough to start a career in the most prominent institution, the China National Intellectual Property Administration is the government agency in China responsible for overseeing intellectual property matters in the country. My path to my current position has been a natural progression of my love for research, innovation, and invention. After working as a patent examiner for three years, I began to yearn for a more active role in the patent process. While patent examiners are part of the government patent office and are responsible for evaluating and granting patents, patent attorneys assist inventors and companies in preparing, prosecuting, and litigating patent cases. They represent two sides of the patent world. I wanted to work closely with inventors and companies, helping them navigate the complex world of IP law and handle more high-valued patents. My expertise as a former patent examiner gave me a valuable edge as a patent lawyer. I had an innate understanding of the examination process and knew how to navigate the patent office’s procedures efficiently. My technical background also helps me decipher complex inventions, and I can communicate with inventors and scientists on a level that many other lawyers may find challenging.

My love for writing and passion for intellectual property law are two main forces that guide me toward a fulfilling career. Through my regular writing and publications, I found my voice and discovered a unique way to share my IP expertise with the world. Early on in my career, I began writing articles and blog posts about patent law, IP strategy, and the latest developments in the field. I see writing as an opportunity to educate and empower inventors and entrepreneurs and as a continuing learning experience. I am an IP columnist for IPRdaily and Intellectual Property Frontier, two of the largest intellectual property publications in China. I also regularly publish articles on IPWatchdog, the largest online intellectual property publication in the world. Over time, my reputation as a skilled patent lawyer grew, and I became sought after by inventors, startups, and established companies alike. I am a mentor of startup incubators XLerateHealth and 100K Ideas. I am also engaged as a think tank expert by the China National-level Sichuan Intellectual Property Operation Center Platform. Publishing has also opened up new opportunities for me. I was invited to speak at conferences, participate in panel discussions, and organize industry seminars. Those speaking engagements allow me to connect with a broader audience and share my knowledge directly with inventors, entrepreneurs, and fellow legal professionals. As my reputation continued to grow, I found myself collaborating with other legal professionals on joint publications. The collaborative work not only enhances my knowledge but also broadens my network within the legal and IP communities. My love for writing and sharing my IP expertise has become a driving force in my career.

What challenges have you faced? And how have you overcome them?
I faced some initial hurdles on my journey into the world of US patent law, as the US patent system had its procedures and practices that differed from those I was accustomed to in China. But I see every challenge as an opportunity for growth and know that my unique background would be a valuable asset in bridging the gap between clients in the US and China. As I gained proficiency in US patent law, I have been able to leverage my knowledge of Chinese patent law to offer comprehensive guidance to clients interested in doing business in China. I quickly become a go-to resource for US companies seeking to protect their innovations in the Chinese market, as I can navigate the intricacies of both jurisdictions. Similarly, for Chinese companies seeking to expand their operations to the US, I am able to provide them with clear explanations of US patent laws and procedures, taking into account the cultural and linguistic nuances that could be challenging for foreign clients to grasp. Because of my experience in both Chinese patent law and US patent law, I am able to help clients from both the US and China find confidence in their intellectual property endeavors because they see me as an advocate who not only understands the law but also understands their unique perspectives and aspirations.

What changes would you like to see in the IP industry regarding equality and diversity in the next five years?
I believe diversity is not just about checking boxes or attaching race, gender, or whatever labels, it is about enriching the legal profession with different perspectives, experiences, and voices. Throughout my journey, I have encountered numerous challenges and barriers. I started with the fear of my differences in race, color, language, culture, and accent in the legal field which has a glaring lack of diversity. However, I have now embraced my differences and used them to my advantage. I have been fortunate to have supportive mentors and role models who encouraged me to dream big. I hope to be an agent of change, breaking down barriers, and inspiring others who might not have seen themselves reflected in the legal landscape. I know that my efforts alone can’t transform the legal profession, but I believe that every step taken toward inclusion and representation matters. I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal world. By being visible, vocal, and supportive, I believe I can inspire others to create a legal profession that truly reflects the diverse fabric of society.

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