Overview
(February 10, 2016, New York) — Steptoe & Johnson LLP is pleased to announce that Ying Li, who holds a doctorate in immunology, has joined the firm’s national Intellectual Property Group as a partner. Dr. Li’s arrival further strengthens the intellectual property and life sciences capabilities offered by Steptoe in New York, which began with the arrival of patent litigator John Molenda and his team in 2014.
Dr. Li brings deep knowledge of biologics, in particular antibody therapeutics. She counsels biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients on patent portfolio management and strategic development. She has two decades of experience in patent prosecution and contentious matters before US and foreign patent offices.
Dr. Li also helps clients survey competitive patent landscapes and renders freedom-to-operate, non-infringement, and patent invalidity opinions. She conducts IP due diligence for venture capital investment and corporate business development. Dr. Li previously worked as a patent agent while earning her law degree.
“Ying is a strong biologics lawyer with excellent technical credentials,” said Steptoe Chair Phil West. “As recent statutory and regulatory developments have created a pathway for biosimilars to compete with biologics, her experience and academic background will be of great benefit to our life sciences clients.”
Dr. Li commented: “Having known John Molenda and practice co-chair Harold Fox for many years, I admire Steptoe and its intellectual property practice. I am excited to begin working with the team in New York and helping clients navigate this exciting and fast-changing field of practice.”
Steptoe’s Intellectual Property Group develops, protects, and enforces the intellectual property rights and assets of clients in a wide range of industries. Its range of services includes IP litigation, Section 337 litigation, patent prosecution, and trademark and copyright protection. Over the past decade, the group has grown substantially with an expansion that has been strategic, aimed at giving Steptoe deep experience in several areas that fit well with the firm’s traditional strengths.
Dr. Li earned her J.D., cum laude, from Fordham University School of Law, where she was elected to the Order of the Coif. She received her Ph.D. in Immunology from Harvard University and her B.A. in Biochemistry, magna cum laude, from Smith College.
About Steptoe
Steptoe & Johnson LLP is an international law firm widely recognized for vigorous advocacy in complex litigation and arbitration, successful representation of clients before governmental agencies, and creative and practical advice in guiding business transactions. The firm has more than 500 lawyers and other professionals in offices in Beijing, Brussels, Century City, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, Palo Alto, Phoenix and Washington. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.
