Myers Bigel Strengthens Team with New Hires in Electronics/Computer Practice Group

Dec. 27, 2012 - PRLog -- RALEIGH, N.C.--Myers Bigel Sibley & Sajovec, P.A. (Myers Bigel), the largest independent patent law firm in the Carolinas, strengthened its stable team of practicing patent lawyers with two new hires in its electronics/computer practice group.

Hee Jin Kwak, Ph.D. and Patrick P. Hansen are both registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and bring strong private-sector technology experience to the firm.

"We make a serious commitment to hiring attorneys with technical or science degrees and industry experience to better serve our clients' needs," said Managing Partner Jim Cannon.

"Having a lawyer who understands the unique technical nuances of an invention as well as the legal aspects is essential in successfully obtaining patents with real-world value," he added.

Dr. Kwak worked as a research engineer and as a patent engineer for seven years in the semiconductor division of Samsung Electronics, Co. Ltd., while Hansen was a verification engineer for IBM and a software analyst for Tom Clancy's gaming company, a software engineer for an internet dot-com and Nortel Networks, and developed and administered an information management system for Duke's Center for Human Genetics.

"Building a supportive environment that helps attract and keep practicing attorneys well-versed in technology is one of the aspects that makes us a different kind of patent law firm,” Mitch Bigel, of the firm’s electronics/computer practice group said, adding, "It really gives us a depth of legal talent and technical knowledge that allows us to stay ahead of the pack."

The investment Myers Bigel makes in carefully staffing its various practice groups -- including biotechnology, chemistry, electronics and computing, litigation, mechanical, trademark, and university, -- is bearing fruit in the number of successful patent applications, low turnover in staff, and growing industry recognition. Recently, the firm achieved a prestigious Tier 1 designation in the 2013 "Best Law Firms" rankings from U.S. News and Best Lawyers; ranked in the top two in the country for quality in the consumer electronics discretionary category in rankings by IAM/Ocean Tomo; and climbed to number 35 in the IFI CLAIMS Patent Services list of Top 50 firms for securing 749 patents for clients in 2011.

In her practice at Myers Bigel, Dr. Kwak will be focusing on the preparation and prosecution of patent applications in the areas of semiconductor devices and chemicals. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering, graduating at the top of her class, from South Korea’s Kyungpook National University, and a Master of Science Degree and Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from Pohang University of Science and Technology, also in South Korea. Kwak earned her Juris Doctor Degree, magna cum laude, from the University of New Hampshire School of Law.

Hansen's legal practice includes patent prosecution in the electrical arts, including software, microprocessors, internet-based technologies and telecommunications, and he also represents patent owners and third party requesters in ex parte and inter partes reexamination proceedings at the USPTO. Receiving his Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, summa cum laude, from North Carolina State University, he earned his Juris Doctor Degree from Duke University and has been practicing law since 2007. Before joining Myers Bigel, Hansen practiced at a patent law firm in Washington, DC.

Both Dr. Kwak and Hansen join a team of longtime, high-quality attorneys who work hand-in-hand with clients throughout the full length of the patent development, filing and grant process, becoming familiar with their specific technology or science and individual business along the way. Without needing to re-learn the technology or business specifics, Myers Bigel attorneys are able to focus on quality to ensure development of a strong patent that can be successfully enforced in court.

Operating out of the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina, Myers Bigel represents corporate and university clients located in the Carolinas, throughout the Southeast, across the United States, and in Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.myersbigel.com.

About Myers Bigel
Myers Bigel Sibley & Sajovec, P.A. (Myers Bigel) is an intellectual property law firm combining patent law expertise with a stable continuity of counsel to produce quality patents that stand up to scrutiny. We are the largest independent patent law firm in the Carolinas, continually ranked among the top national firms by well-respected legal media and industry organizations. Our knowledgeable, vibrant team of attorneys with degreed technical experience successfully acquires, protects, enforces and defends patent assets and intellectual property in a variety of fields including biotechnology, chemistry, electronics and computing, mechanical and  trademark practice, as well as in litigation. Headquartered in Raleigh in the Research Triangle Park region of North Carolina, with clients spanning the globe, we remain active in symposia, seminars, and continuing education efforts to further best practices in intellectual property protection and enforcement. For more information on our high quality work visit www.myersbigel.com.