Lee International IP & Law distinguishes itself among Korean law firms by offering integrated intellectual property services including IP prosecution and litigation legal services. The firm leverages experience in IP valuation, due diligence and licensing to expand its transactional and licensing services. Recently reorganising its litigation group, the firm added seasoned attorneys and former judges to strengthen capabilities across patents, trademarks, copyrights and unfair competition. With expertise across prosecution and litigation, the firm delivers comprehensive solutions from prosecution through dispute resolution, fully protecting clients’ IP rights. Managing partner Taehong (Terry) Kim is a key partner to note. Senior partners Jin-Hoe Kim and Yoon Suk Shin are also key figures.
Work highlights
Advised Intervet International BV and Microbial Chemistry Research Foundation and secured a precedent-setting Supreme Court decision expanding patent eligibility for crystalline forms in Korea. The ruling overturned previous assumptions that crystalline-form derivation lacks technical difficulty. Now crystalline form patents can be obtained by demonstrating technical barriers or unexpected benefits.
Acted for Chapter 4 Corp, the owner of the American street fashion brand Supreme, in a trademark opposition, successfully prevailing against bad faith filings.
Acted for Illinois Tool Works and successfully appealed a final rejection of a patent application relating to ‘air vent For vehicle’ and obtained a decision granting a patent. The decision importantly establishes that when determining inventive step, the functional relationships between elements and the resulting effect, as well as each element's shape and function, must be considered.
