Umberg/Zipser Adds to Litigation and Intellectual Property Groups with Addition of Vikki Vander Woude and Nicole Ballew Chang

Umberg/Zipser is pleased to announce that business litigation partner Vikki L. Vander Woude and patent agent Nicole Ballew Chang, Ph.D. have joined the firm. 

“We are pleased to welcome Vikki and Nicole to the Umberg/Zipser team. Their experience is directly aligned with our focus of strategically growing in the areas of business litigation and intellectual property. We remain committed to meeting our clients’ objectives with maximum efficiency and flexibility,” said co-founding partner, Dean Zipser.

Vikki L. Vander Woude focuses her practice on commercial litigation, litigation consulting and neutral services. She represents both plaintiffs and defendants, companies and individuals, in business, real estate, employment, and class action and other multi-party litigation, and also assists smaller and mid-sized businesses as an “outside in-house” counsel with management and oversight of litigation, legal expenses, discovery, proactive risk management and alternative dispute resolution. Vikki is experienced in all phases of litigation, including trials and alternative dispute resolution proceedings.Immediately prior to joining the firm,Vikki served as a Senior Research Attorney for the Orange County Superior Courtin the Complex and Unlimited Civil Divisions.

Vikki commented, “I am thrilled to re-join some of my former colleagues from the Morrison & Manatt firms, and the rest of the Umberg/Zipser team. I am proud to work with such a wonderful group of attorneys who are deeply committed to client and community service.” 

Nicole Ballew Chang focuses her practice on domestic and international patent prosecution in biotechnology, life sciences, and chemical arts. Nicole’s educational and professional background serves clients well in her role on the Umberg/Zipser team. Her years of experience as a patent agent together with her experience in molecular and cellular biology provide her with unique insight into the intellectual property challenges faced by those in the scientific industries, and enable her to provide clients with strategic solutions as well as provide support for due diligence and licensing matters. Prior to joining Umberg Zipser, Nicole served as a patent agent at Lewis Roca Rothergerber Christie, LLP.

Nicole also commented, “I am honored to join the impressive Umberg/Zipser team.  I am excited to have the opportunity to work with such a sincere group of experienced professionals to serve the firm’s clients.” 

Mei Tsang in OCBJ: “Protecting Brands on the New Amazon Brand Registry”

Umberg/Zipser attorney Mei Tsang recently authored the article “Protecting Brands on the New Amazon Brand Registry” in the Orange County Business Journal. The full text of the article is available here: “Protecting Brands on the New Amazon Brand Registry”

Mei has an international intellectual property practice focused on helping clients formulate their IP strategy, and shepherding their IP through various business cycles to achieve their business goals worldwide. Mei has substantial experience in patent and trademark portfolio development, and in all aspects of IP enforcement, including negotiation, licensing, and litigation at various courts at the federal, state, and administrative levels. Clients also rely on her multicultural background and language abilities (Mandarin and Cantonese) to help them expand and navigate their IP strategy worldwide.

Mei Tsang Serves as Co-Chair and Umberg/Zipser Sponsors OCBA Charitable Fund’s 2018 Raise Your Glass Fundraiser

Umberg/Zipser (U/Z) partner Mei Tsang served as co-chair for the Orange County Bar Association Charitable Fund’s (OCBACF) annual Raise Your Glass event on Thursday, August 23 at the Newport Beach Country Club. Mei currently serves on the Board of Directors for both the Orange County Bar Association and its Charitable Fund. In addition to Mei’s service, Umberg/Zipser is proud to be a long-time supporter of the OCBACF, and is an Underwriter Sponsor for the event.

Raise Your Glass is the marquee wine tasting and charity awards benefit that is organized by the OCBACF, a nonprofit foundation raising money for law-related charities in Orange County. The event is held to help raise much-needed funds to support law-related organizations and programs in Orange County, including Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County, Legal Aid Society of Orange County and Southeast Los Angeles, Public Law Center, and law school and domestic violence clinics and programs. Read more about the event here: http://www.ocbar.org/cf/ryg/.

Mei has an international intellectual property practice focused on helping clients formulate their IP strategy, and shepherding their IP through various business cycles to achieve their business goals worldwide. Mei has substantial experience in patent and trademark portfolio development, and in all aspects of IP enforcement, including negotiation, licensing, and litigation at various courts at the federal, state, and administrative levels. Her clients also depend on her multicultural background and language abilities to help them expand and navigate their IP strategy worldwide.

 

Umberg/Zipser Continues to Grow IP Group with Addition of Mark Finkelstein and Priti Phukan

Umberg/Zipser (U/Z) is pleased to announce that partner Mark Finkelstein and associate Priti Phukan, Ph.D. have joined the firm. The addition of Mark and Priti further strengthens the firm’s full-service Intellectual Property Practice Group, and dedicated to identifying, procuring, shepherding, and defending our clients’ intellectual property rights.

Mark Finkelstein has more than 23 years of intellectual property and complex litigation experience in some of the nation’s largest firms. He advises clients on matters involving patent, copyright, trademark, and trade dress infringement, as well as misuse of trade secrets, unfair competition, and other commercial disputes. Mark is the immediate Past President of Orange County’s Association of Business Trial Lawyers and has significant first-chair trial experience in both state and federal courts, and has argued before the Federal and Ninth Circuits.

Priti Phukan concentrates her practice on patent and trademark prosecution across various technology industries, including chemistry, life sciences, diagnostics, medical devices, and mechanical engineering. Priti began her career as a chemist and molecular biologist and then ultimately made the choice to start her career in patent law in 2012.

“We are excited to strategically grow our IP practice and continue to offer our clients the highest caliber of legal services. I have known Mark for many years.  He is an exceptional lawyer with extensive IP litigation and trial experience. His IP focus and tireless commitment to community involvement makes him a perfect fit,” said co-founding partner, Dean Zipser.

“Priti brings a unique background that includes a blend of bioscience expertise and legal skills. We are thrilled to bring the value of this combination of experience to our clients. She is a fantastic addition to the Umberg/Zipser team,” added IP partner, Mei Tsang.

Mark commented, “I am delighted to join the talented team at Umberg/Zipser and to offer increased flexibility in the delivery of legal services to my clients. I have known and had the pleasure of working with many of the firm’s lawyers in various capacities over the years and greatly admire and respect the way they approach solving clients’ business issues.”

Priti also commented, “It is an honor to join U/Z. I am delighted to be working with such a talented legal team with deep ties to the Orange County legal, business and technology communities.”

About Umberg/Zipser LLP

Umberg/Zipser is a premier business litigation and intellectual property boutique.  Drawing on its lawyers’ many decades of experience in some of the nation’s largest and most prestigious law firms, as well as national and state government service, Umberg/Zipser provides clients with unparalleled legal services. Named one of the Daily Journal’s Top Boutique Firms, Umberg/Zipser is a go-to firm for litigation and intellectual property in Orange County and around the state. https://umbergzipser.com/

Mei Tsang Authors Article for the OC Lawyer: The Case for Diversity

Mei Tsang recently authored an article in the March 2018 edition of the OC Lawyer, a publication of the Orange County Bar Association titled “The Case for Diversity: Why it Matters and Why it is Hard to Achieve in the Legal Profession.”

The article explores misconceptions about diversity and why it is an important consideration in legal practices. Mei explains, “Even with the great diversity that exists in Orange County, the legal profession does not reflect any more diversity than the national average. It is well known that the legal industry is one of the least diverse professions in the nation despite the well-intentioned initiatives, policies, and programs.”

Click here to read the article. 

Mei serves on the Board of Directors for both the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) and its Charitable Fund. She has an international intellectual property practice focused on helping clients formulate their IP strategy, and shepherding their IP through various business cycles to achieve their business goals worldwide.  Mei has substantial experience in patent and trademark portfolio development, and in all aspects of IP enforcement, including negotiation, licensing, and litigation at various courts at the federal, state, and administrative levels. Her clients also depend on her multicultural background and language abilities (Mandarin and Cantonese) to help them expand and navigate their IP strategy worldwide.

Ryan Dean in OCBJ: “How to Protect Your IP When You Want to Manufacture in China”

Partner Ryan Dean published an article in the Orange County Business Journal’s Innovator the Year Awards issue on August 14, 2017: “How to Protect Your IP When You Want to Manufacture in China.”

Click here to view the article.  

Dean Zipser Provides Commentary in OCBJ Article on the Evolving Business Models of Patent Enforcement Companies

The Orange County Business Journal recently asked a few experts in intellectual property law about the changing landscape for patent enforcement firms.  In the article, Dean Zipser commented on the recent changes in the law, noting that “IP litigation and patent litigation never go out of vogue. It continues to be a big source of litigated matters.”  Click here to read the Orange County Business Journal article.  

Mei Tsang Presents in B2C eCommerce Workshop

Umberg/Zipser partner Mei Tsang participated at the B2C eCommerce Workshop hosted by U.S. Commercial Service of Orange County and the Women in International Trade on Reach Global Customers Through E-Commerce on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 in Costa Mesa, California.

Mei presented alongside speakers from Earth Friendly Products, Jordana Cosmetics, iGlobal Stores and JD.com as well as James Bledsoe, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service eCommerce Innovation Lab and China marketing expert Ann Bierbower.  The workshop focused on selling direct to global consumers through eCommerce, featuring different online sales options, marketing and mechanics as well as the logistics needed to support eCommerce sales.

Mei has an international intellectual property practice focused on helping clients formulate their IP strategy, and shepherding their IP through various business cycles to achieve their business goals worldwide.  Mei has substantial experience in patent and trademark portfolio development, and in all aspects of IP enforcement, including negotiation, licensing, and litigation at various courts at the federal, state, and administrative levels.  Her clients also depend on her multicultural background and language abilities (Mandarin and Cantonese) to help them expand and navigate their IP strategy worldwide.

Umberg/Zipser Adds Four and Strengthens Intellectual Property Practice

We are pleased to announce that Mei Tsang, Ryan Dean, Martin Fessenmaier, Ph.D, and Minyoung Shin, Ph.D. have joined the firm. Mei, Ryan, Martin and Minyoung all have deep experience with patent and trademark prosecution and licensing, both domestically and internationally, and will strengthen the firm’s Intellectual Property practice and help meet our clients’ needs to identify, procure, shepherd and defend their IP rights.

Mei and Ryan work with companies of all sizes – from small businesses to Fortune 500 institutions — both domestically and internationally.  Mei has an international practice focused on helping clients formulate their IP strategy, developing various IP assets, and shepherding their IP through various business cycles to achieve their business goals worldwide.  Ryan’s practice focuses in the areas of mechanical and aerospace engineering, process engineering, household and consumer products, medical devices, and fluid conditioning systems.  Both Mei and Ryan also have substantial experience with licensing, defense and enforcement of both patents and trademarks, including at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in Federal Court. 

Martin is a senior patent agent with almost two decades of experience in domestic and international patent prosecution, working with clients in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology, bioinformatics, medical devices, pharmaceutical chemistry, organic chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical engineering, and general mechanical arts.  In addition to preparing and prosecuting U.S., PCT, and foreign patent applications, Martin provides clients with patent portfolio analysis and IP strategy to ensure clients have and will obtain patent coverage that is relevant to their businesses.

Minyoung focuses her practice on trademark and patent prosecutions across various industries including pharmaceutical science, nutraceutical chemistry, biomedical devices, and chemical engineering.

Mei, Ryan, Martin, and Minyoung are all actively involved in a number of professional organizations, including the Orange County Bar Association, and the International Trademark Association, among others.  They share the firm’s core values –  teamwork, integrity, professionalism, and creativity – and our passion for helping our clients and the community. We are thrilled they have joined the Umberg/Zipser team. 

To see the firm’s press release announcing Mei’s and Ryan’s arrival, click here.