#United States #San Diego #Life Sciences #Greenberg Traurig #Kunyong Yang

Greenberg Traurig Expands Life Sciences Patent Capabilities

Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has recently enhanced its Intellectual Property & Technology Practice by welcoming Kunyong Yang as a shareholder in the San Diego office. Yang's addition marks a strategic move aimed at strengthening the firm's capabilities within the life sciences sector, particularly focused on patent law and innovative technologies.

Kunyong Yang brings with him a wealth of experience as both a patent attorney and a former medicinal chemist. His unique background positions him to successfully navigate the intricate landscape of life sciences innovations, particularly in areas such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Clients can rely on Yang's expertise in managing global patent portfolios and engaging in intellectual property (IP) due diligence and licensing transactions.

Yang's nearly ten years in the scientific field before entering law equips him with the understanding necessary to handle complex concepts involving small molecule therapeutics, antibody-drug conjugates, and more advanced technologies, such as mRNA and siRNA. His dual expertise uniquely qualifies him to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and legal protection, offering clients valuable insights into their IP strategies.

“Kunyong's diverse experience combined with his deep understanding of pharmaceutical patents and an international perspective makes him a vital asset to our firm,” remarked Mark R. Galis, Co-Chair of Global Intellectual Property & Technology Practice. With the rapid advancement in the life sciences sector, Yang’s expertise is instrumental in helping clients safeguard their novel inventions and maximize their commercial value.

His notable accomplishments include assisting innovators in constructing and defending patent portfolios essential for business growth, investment, and commercialization. Yang’s experience encompasses the entire spectrum of innovation lifecycle management, from initial discoveries through regulatory exclusivity all the way to post-grant proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Yang is also recognized for his fluency in Mandarin, which significantly enhances his ability to advise clients on cross-border intellectual property issues, especially in dealings involving both U.S. and Asian markets. This multilingual capability can be particularly beneficial for companies looking to expand their reach on a global scale.

In a joint statement, Ellen M. Bronchetti and John P. Cleary, Co-Managing Shareholders at the San Diego office, remarked, “Kunyong is highly respected in the life sciences field for his talent in translating scientific breakthroughs into savvy patent strategies.” They emphasized that Yang's prior work as a chemist greatly influences his approach to IP counseling, allowing pharmaceutical and biotech companies to identify and protect their most valuable discoveries.

In terms of experience, Yang has successfully established and managed global patent portfolios for clients like Nuvalent, Inc., focusing on precision medicine designed for oncology therapies. He has also provided valuable insight to Allorion Therapeutics regarding patent considerations and IP due diligence in licensing transactions involving both clinical and preclinical cancer treatments. Furthermore, his portfolio experiences span across innovative therapies directed at oncology, fibrosis, and metabolic diseases, showcasing his comprehensive knowledge in various therapeutic areas.

“Having transitioned from the scientific arena to law, I have a firsthand understanding of the obstacles and importance of delivering new therapies to market,” Yang stated. He added that the intellectual property of a company often encapsulates the culmination of years of research and effort. Appreciating Greenberg Traurig’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovative legal approach, Yang is eager to contribute to the efforts of clients in protecting their future scientific advancements.

Yang earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of San Diego School of Law following his master's degree in organic chemistry from Michigan Technological University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from Nanjing University. He is licensed to practice law in California and is authorized to represent clients before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

With approximately 3,200 attorneys spread across 51 locations worldwide, Greenberg Traurig delivers innovative legal solutions across diverse industries while maintaining a strong commitment to social responsibility and philanthropic efforts. Recognized for its excellence, the firm continues to be a formidable player in the global legal market.