With a deep bench comprised of IP litigators, patent attorneys, patent engineers and foreign IP attorneys, Kim & Chang is highly regarded for its full coverage of IP rights, covering patents, trademarks, designs, trade secrets, unfair competition and copyrights. The team also demonstrates impressive cross-border aptitude, advising clients on IP disputes outside of Korea. Overseeing the team is Jay (Young-June) Yang, an industry veteran with expertise in patent and trademark prosecution and litigation strategy. In Hwan Kim concentrates on the enforcement and defence of patents for global pharmaceutical and chemical companies, while Won Kim is a point of contact for the IT, entertainment and gaming industries. With a background as a judge in the IP High Court, Minjung Park advises on patents, unfair competition and trade secret disputes. Jongmin Lee chiefly advises on disputes and transactions with intellectual property components. Patent attorneys Chul Hwan Jung, Young Kim, Monica Hyon Kyong Leeu, and Kang Kwon bring additional capabilities to the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘This team demonstrates a precise understanding of Korean litigation procedures and judicial tendencies, and can respond flexibly to each case in alignment with the specific characteristics of the presiding court and judge.’
‘Mr. Won Kim shows exceptional ability to make timely and strategic use of client-provided information during oral arguments. He remained composed and demonstrated outstanding sound judgement and strategic responsiveness in countering both opposing counsel and the judge's challenges.’
‘The team understands the business purpose of a patent task and is skilled to leverage local practice to come up with solutions. Smooth communication and collaboration.’
‘K&C has an extremely deep bench, with attorneys from myriad backgrounds and skills.’
‘K&C IP team has demonstrated significant professional value and flexible negotiation skills in assisting us in handling IP disputes in South Korea.’
‘I love working with Kim & Chang in South Korea as they are one of the best firms that I have worked with. They are practical, proactive, and always ready to offer sound business advice that meets our needs. They are also very responsive and make it very easy to do my job and relay the information for us to meet crucial deadlines.’
Key clients
- Apple Inc.
- Hitachi, Ltd.
- Toyota
- Robert Bosch GmbH
- Nippon Steel Corporation
- BASF
- Bristol-Myers Squibb
- Richemont
- Snap Inc.
- Chanel
Work highlights
Successfully defended originator pharmaceutical companies against 213 scope confirmation actions filed in a single month, a challenge brought by about 70 generic companies.
Successfully defended the validity of three agrochemical crystalline form patents on behalf of a client in the Intellectual Property High Court inter partes appeal cases, overturning the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board's invalidation decisions.
Represented a game development company in pursuing remedies against the distribution of a game developed by a company founded by former employees, which raised intellectual property infringement issues.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners: PATMA
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners: PATMA
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Jay (Young-June) YANG
Other key lawyers
In Hwan Kim; Won Kim; Minjung Park; Jongmin Lee; Chul Hwan Jung; Young Kim; Monica Hyon Kyong Leeu; Kang Kwon