Intellectual property attorney Wendy A. Choi, who has more than 20 years of experience representing chemical, pharmaceutical, and medical device/diagnostic clients in domestic and international patent matters, has joined Ballard Spahr’s Atlanta office as a partner, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.
Ms. Choi focuses on complex patent prosecution and counseling and on IP strategy, assisting clients that range from start-ups to large corporations. Her patent work encompasses the chemical, pharmaceutical, nanotechnology, biotechnology, cleantech, and medical device/diagnostic industries. She advises on potential patent infringement issues and prepares invalidity and non-infringement opinions.
Ms. Choi also represents companies in licensing negotiations, patent reissue, reexamination, and interference proceedings, and analyzes patents in litigation. She has a particular emphasis in Asia, energy, and biosimilars.
“Wendy’s experience in corporate pharmaceutical patents increases the depth and versatility of our IP practice in a way that will be meaningful to clients,” Mr. Stewart said. “She is a terrific addition to our IP Department and the Atlanta office, which continues to attract talented attorneys across practice areas.”
Ms. Choi’s arrival will add to the momentum of Ballard Spahr’s growing chemistry patent and pharmaceutical patent teams, and support the transactional work of its patents practice, said Mitchell A. Katz, Chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department. “Wendy’s impressive combination of scientific and legal knowledge will make her a critical member of our patent prosecution team. Our IP practice will benefit particularly from her connections with a number of blue-chip chemical and pharmaceutical companies.”
Said Han C. Choi, Managing Partner of the firm’s Atlanta office, “Wendy’s proven ability to develop business will serve us well not only in the southeastern United States, but also nationally and internationally. In addition, her desire to expand her practice in Asia complements and elevates our Korea Initiative.”
Ms. Choi comes to Ballard Spahr from the Atlanta office of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, where she was a partner in the Intellectual Property Department. At Ballard Spahr, she will be a member of the Patents Group; the Chemical, Biotechnology, and Medical Technology Teams; and the Life Sciences and Technology Group. Before she entered law, Ms. Choi was a research scientist in the polymer and plastics divisions at the Rohm and Haas Company.
“Ballard Spahr is a highly respected firm that combines a national scope of practice with strong regional market knowledge. Those qualities provide the ideal atmosphere for me to grow my patent prosecution practice,” Ms. Choi said. “I also believe my work with clients in Asia will dovetail nicely with the firm’s Korea Initiative.”
