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Minho LEE Patent Attorney

Minho LEE Patent Attorney
Minho LEE Patent Attorney

Minho LEEPatent Attorney

T.+82-2-2122-3538F.+82-2-2122-3800E.mhlee1@kimchang.com

Areas of Expertise

Overview

Minho Lee is a seasoned Korean patent attorney in the Electrical Group of the Intellectual Property Practice at Kim & Chang. With extensive experience in patent litigation, prosecution, and counseling, Mr. Lee has been a trusted advisor to both domestic and international clients, particularly in the fields of computer-related and electrical/electronic technologies.

Since his admission to the Korean patent bar, Mr. Lee has focused on various aspects of intellectual property law, including patent litigation, prosecution, licensing, and monetization. His expertise spans the entire patent lifecycle, from procurement to enforcement, with a particular emphasis on high-tech industries. Since becoming a member of the California bar in 2008, he has also supported U.S. patent litigations on behalf of Korean clients, providing strategic insights and practical guidance in complex cases. Additionally, Mr. Lee has played a pivotal role in high-profile trade secret cases, leveraging his technical expertise to guide clients through every stage of the process, from internal investigations to appeals before the Supreme Court.

In recognition of his expertise and contributions to the field, Mr. Lee was ranked as Silver in Litigation by "IAM Patent 1000: The World's Leading Patent Professionals (IAM, 2024)."

Patent Matters: Mr. Lee has extensive experience in handling patent-related matters, including prosecution, litigation, invalidation actions, and scope confirmation actions. He has represented clients at all levels - before the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board, district courts, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court. His work includes advising major international companies on managing and enhancing their Korean patent portfolios to strengthen enforcement strategies.

Mr. Lee has also provided comprehensive intellectual property counseling to international clients, including portfolio management, licensing negotiations, and acquisitions. He has developed patent licensing strategies for both foreign and domestic companies and participated in face-to-face licensing negotiations on behalf of global corporations. His practice includes managing multi-national patent litigations involving advanced technologies such as semiconductor manufacturing devices and LEDs.

U.S. Litigation Support: Mr. Lee has a wealth of experience in supporting U.S. patent litigations, including cases before the International Trade Commission (ITC) and various district courts. He has advised Korean clients on litigation strategies, negotiation and settlement plans, and action plans to achieve favorable outcomes.
Collaborating closely with U.S. counsel, he has enhanced clients' chances of success by providing critical support during Markman hearings, summary judgment motion hearings, and trials. Mr. Lee has also played an active role in the discovery process, assisting U.S. law firms by reviewing Korean documents, managing document review teams, preparing privilege logs, and coordinating deposition preparations. His ability to bridge the cultural and technical gap between Korean clients and U.S. legal proceedings has been a key asset in complex litigations.

Other Practice Areas: Mr. Lee's practice extends to technology-driven trade secret misappropriation cases. With a strong foundation in relevant technologies and forensic science, he has provided technical support in both civil and criminal trade secret cases. He has prepared technical materials for investigative authorities and helped clients prevent the misappropriation of trade secrets by employees without resorting to litigation. Additionally, Mr. Lee has advised clients on tax matters related to video streaming technology, including responding to tax authority investigations and handling tax litigation.

Technical Expertise: Mr. Lee's technical knowledge spans industries such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment and processes, semiconductor wafers and chips, LED technology, software and internet-based technologies, video streaming technologies, telecommunications (3G, 4G, and 5G and WiFi), cellular and smartphone design (including user interfaces), home appliances, material engineering. He is well-versed in global standards such as 3GPP, MPEG, and IEEE protocols, ensuring clients’ technologies meet international compliance requirements.

Mr. Lee’s combined legal acumen and technical expertise make him a valued advisor for clients navigating the complex landscape of intellectual property in Korea and beyond.

Profile

Experience

Kim & Chang (2001-Present)

Representative MattersView All

Patent Litigations/Disputes
  • Represented a global technology company against a Korean Patent Assertion Entity (PAE) in three consecutive patent lawsuits before district courts; successfully invalidated all ten asserted patents across various technologies (e.g., cellular phone user interface, memory-saving technology) through invalidation actions. Notably, in one case, successfully overturned the Patent Court's decision at the Supreme Court—twice—making it one of only two instances in the year where the Supreme Court reversed lower court rulings in patent matters.

  • Represented a global semiconductor equipment manufacturer in patent litigations before district courts and invalidation actions before IPTAB, achieving favorable settlements for the client.

  • Represented a global cellular phone manufacturer in a patent and trademark infringement action against a competitor, reaching a favorable settlement for the client.

  • Represented a U.S. semiconductor material manufacturer in an invalidation action across all levels of instances (IPTAB, the Patent Court, and the Supreme Court).

  • Successfully defended a global cellular phone manufacturer in a patent infringement action brought by a Korean company involving earphone technology.

  • Successfully defended a global cellular phone manufacturer in a scope confirmation action brought by a Korean company before the IPTAB and invalidated the asserted patent in a separate invalidation action.

  • Successfully defended a multi-national cellular phone manufacturer in a scope confirmation action initiated by an individual inventor and invalidated the asserted patent in a separate invalidation action.

  • Successfully defended a Japanese toy manufacturer against a criminal charge of patent infringement by invalidating the registered utility model through an invalidation action.

  • Effectively and efficiently ran patent enforcement campaigns for a leading home appliance manufacturer against Chinese copycats and their online and offline Korean distributors for several years.

 

Patent Prosecution
  • Personally prosecuted various applications before the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), including appeals to the IPTAB against final rejections and appeals to the Patent Court.
  • Reviewed and advised on the prosecution of Korean patent applications for global technology companies.

 

US and other Foreign Jurisdiction Patent Litigation Support
  • Advised a Korean solar panel manufacturer in an ITC Section 337 investigation; successfully achieved a favorable outcome for the client.
  • Advised a Korean electronics company on patent litigation and settlement strategy, providing case assessments for district court cases.
  • Acted as an interface between U.S. counsel and Korean clients regarding patent litigation strategy, preparation of invalidity contentions, infringement contentions, Markman briefs, summary judgment motions, and expert reports. Attended Markman hearings, summary judgment motion hearings, and jury trials in district court cases.
  • Managed a group of reviewers for document review in ITC Section 337 actions, identifying key documents and prepared deponents for depositions, including compiling expected questions and relevant documents in district court cases.
  • Provided technical advice to a client and U.K. counsel in a U.K. patent lawsuit, based on issues presented in a co-pending Korean patent litigation.

Representative ActivitiesView All

Awards

  • ranked as Siver in patent litigation in South Korea by IAM Patent 1000 (2024)

Publications/Activities
    • Online Transmission of Software May Now Infringe Software Patents in Korea (K&C newsletter dated Feb. 12, 2020)
    • New patent cancellation system enacted (Co-author, International Law Office, 2017) 
    • KIPO’s Growing Popularity as an ISA for U.S.-Originating PCT Applications (2013/14 winter issue of K&C newsletter) 
    • Korean Filings Continue to Increase Despite Global Economic Recession (2012/13 winter issue of K&C newsletter) 
    • Co-author of "Korea" section in "International Post-Grant and Related Proceedings" chapter of Patent Office Litigation (Thomson Reuters Westlaw, 2012) 
    • Co-author of "Korea" Chapter of International Intellectual Property Litigation (Sweet & Maxwell, 2011-Present) 

     

Education

School of Law, Duke University (LL.M., 2007) 

Department of Law, Korea National Open University (LL.B., 2006) 

College of Engineering, Seoul National University (B.E., Material Science & Engineering, 2000)

Qualifications

Admitted to bar, California, 2008 

Admitted to patent bar, Korea, 2000

Languages

Korean and English

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Minho LEE
Patent Attorney


T. +82-2-2122-3538      
F. +82-2-2122-3800
     


  




Minho Lee is a seasoned Korean patent attorney in the Electrical Group of the Intellectual Property Practice at Kim & Chang. With extensive experience in patent litigation, prosecution, and counseling, Mr. Lee has been a trusted advisor to both domestic and international clients, particularly in the fields of computer-related and electrical/electronic technologies.

Since his admission to the Korean patent bar, Mr. Lee has focused on various aspects of intellectual property law, including patent litigation, prosecution, licensing, and monetization. His expertise spans the entire patent lifecycle, from procurement to enforcement, with a particular emphasis on high-tech industries. Since becoming a member of the California bar in 2008, he has also supported U.S. patent litigations on behalf of Korean clients, providing strategic insights and practical guidance in complex cases. Additionally, Mr. Lee has played a pivotal role in high-profile trade secret cases, leveraging his technical expertise to guide clients through every stage of the process, from internal investigations to appeals before the Supreme Court.

In recognition of his expertise and contributions to the field, Mr. Lee was ranked as Silver in Litigation by "IAM Patent 1000: The World's Leading Patent Professionals (IAM, 2024)."

Patent Matters: Mr. Lee has extensive experience in handling patent-related matters, including prosecution, litigation, invalidation actions, and scope confirmation actions. He has represented clients at all levels - before the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board, district courts, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court. His work includes advising major international companies on managing and enhancing their Korean patent portfolios to strengthen enforcement strategies.

Mr. Lee has also provided comprehensive intellectual property counseling to international clients, including portfolio management, licensing negotiations, and acquisitions. He has developed patent licensing strategies for both foreign and domestic companies and participated in face-to-face licensing negotiations on behalf of global corporations. His practice includes managing multi-national patent litigations involving advanced technologies such as semiconductor manufacturing devices and LEDs.

U.S. Litigation Support: Mr. Lee has a wealth of experience in supporting U.S. patent litigations, including cases before the International Trade Commission (ITC) and various district courts. He has advised Korean clients on litigation strategies, negotiation and settlement plans, and action plans to achieve favorable outcomes.
Collaborating closely with U.S. counsel, he has enhanced clients' chances of success by providing critical support during Markman hearings, summary judgment motion hearings, and trials. Mr. Lee has also played an active role in the discovery process, assisting U.S. law firms by reviewing Korean documents, managing document review teams, preparing privilege logs, and coordinating deposition preparations. His ability to bridge the cultural and technical gap between Korean clients and U.S. legal proceedings has been a key asset in complex litigations.

Other Practice Areas: Mr. Lee's practice extends to technology-driven trade secret misappropriation cases. With a strong foundation in relevant technologies and forensic science, he has provided technical support in both civil and criminal trade secret cases. He has prepared technical materials for investigative authorities and helped clients prevent the misappropriation of trade secrets by employees without resorting to litigation. Additionally, Mr. Lee has advised clients on tax matters related to video streaming technology, including responding to tax authority investigations and handling tax litigation.

Technical Expertise: Mr. Lee's technical knowledge spans industries such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment and processes, semiconductor wafers and chips, LED technology, software and internet-based technologies, video streaming technologies, telecommunications (3G, 4G, and 5G and WiFi), cellular and smartphone design (including user interfaces), home appliances, material engineering. He is well-versed in global standards such as 3GPP, MPEG, and IEEE protocols, ensuring clients’ technologies meet international compliance requirements.

Mr. Lee’s combined legal acumen and technical expertise make him a valued advisor for clients navigating the complex landscape of intellectual property in Korea and beyond.






    Kim & Chang (2001-Present)






Patent Litigations/Disputes
  •   

    Represented a global technology company against a Korean Patent Assertion Entity (PAE) in three consecutive patent lawsuits before district courts; successfully invalidated all ten asserted patents across various technologies (e.g., cellular phone user interface, memory-saving technology) through invalidation actions. Notably, in one case, successfully overturned the Patent Court's decision at the Supreme Court—twice—making it one of only two instances in the year where the Supreme Court reversed lower court rulings in patent matters.

  •   

    Represented a global semiconductor equipment manufacturer in patent litigations before district courts and invalidation actions before IPTAB, achieving favorable settlements for the client.

  •   

    Represented a global cellular phone manufacturer in a patent and trademark infringement action against a competitor, reaching a favorable settlement for the client.

  •   

    Represented a U.S. semiconductor material manufacturer in an invalidation action across all levels of instances (IPTAB, the Patent Court, and the Supreme Court).

  •   

    Successfully defended a global cellular phone manufacturer in a patent infringement action brought by a Korean company involving earphone technology.

  •   

    Successfully defended a global cellular phone manufacturer in a scope confirmation action brought by a Korean company before the IPTAB and invalidated the asserted patent in a separate invalidation action.

  •   

    Successfully defended a multi-national cellular phone manufacturer in a scope confirmation action initiated by an individual inventor and invalidated the asserted patent in a separate invalidation action.

  •   

    Successfully defended a Japanese toy manufacturer against a criminal charge of patent infringement by invalidating the registered utility model through an invalidation action.

  •   

    Effectively and efficiently ran patent enforcement campaigns for a leading home appliance manufacturer against Chinese copycats and their online and offline Korean distributors for several years.

 

Patent Prosecution
  •   Personally prosecuted various applications before the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), including appeals to the IPTAB against final rejections and appeals to the Patent Court.
  •   Reviewed and advised on the prosecution of Korean patent applications for global technology companies.

 

US and other Foreign Jurisdiction Patent Litigation Support
  •   Advised a Korean solar panel manufacturer in an ITC Section 337 investigation; successfully achieved a favorable outcome for the client.
  •   Advised a Korean electronics company on patent litigation and settlement strategy, providing case assessments for district court cases.
  •   Acted as an interface between U.S. counsel and Korean clients regarding patent litigation strategy, preparation of invalidity contentions, infringement contentions, Markman briefs, summary judgment motions, and expert reports. Attended Markman hearings, summary judgment motion hearings, and jury trials in district court cases.
  •   Managed a group of reviewers for document review in ITC Section 337 actions, identifying key documents and prepared deponents for depositions, including compiling expected questions and relevant documents in district court cases.
  •   Provided technical advice to a client and U.K. counsel in a U.K. patent lawsuit, based on issues presented in a co-pending Korean patent litigation.





Awards

  •   ranked as Siver in patent litigation in South Korea by IAM Patent 1000 (2024)

Publications/Activities

  •   Online Transmission of Software May Now Infringe Software Patents in Korea (K&C newsletter dated Feb. 12, 2020)
  •   New patent cancellation system enacted (Co-author, International Law Office, 2017) 
  •   KIPO’s Growing Popularity as an ISA for U.S.-Originating PCT Applications (2013/14 winter issue of K&C newsletter) 
  •   Korean Filings Continue to Increase Despite Global Economic Recession (2012/13 winter issue of K&C newsletter) 
  •   Co-author of "Korea" section in "International Post-Grant and Related Proceedings" chapter of Patent Office Litigation (Thomson Reuters Westlaw, 2012) 
  •   Co-author of "Korea" Chapter of International Intellectual Property Litigation (Sweet & Maxwell, 2011-Present) 

 






Education

    School of Law, Duke University (LL.M., 2007) 

    Department of Law, Korea National Open University (LL.B., 2006) 

    College of Engineering, Seoul National University (B.E., Material Science & Engineering, 2000)


Qualifications

    Admitted to bar, California, 2008 

    Admitted to patent bar, Korea, 2000


Languages
  •    Korean and English





Patent & Utility Model ,  Intellectual Property Dispute ,  Electrical & Semiconductors ,  Privacy & Data Security ,  Fintech & IT Compliance ,  Intellectual Property ,  China (IP) ,  Computers & Software ,  Trade Secret & Corporate Information Protection ,  IP Administrative Action & Appeal ,  International IP Disputes