In the field of intellectual property, protecting innovative ideas is a crucial step in bringing new products to market. In this interview, we hear from my mother, an experienced IP professional with a background in electrical engineering and a patent law license. Her job bridges the work of an engineer and a lawyer, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding her company’s inventions. With over a decade of experience in IP monetization and patent development, she offers insight into her journey and job.
What did you major in, and what was your career journey like?
I majored in Electrical Engineering because I was good at math and physics. After completing my Master’s in Electrical Engineering, I worked for about 13 years in IP (Intellectual Property) monetization. During that time, I dealt with a lot of patents that weren’t well written, which often led to court litigation. This experience motivated me to take the patent bar exam andto obtain a license to practice IP law as an engineer. With this license, I aimed to write patents that accurately capture the essence of an invention in a product.
What does your role entail?
My main responsibility is to protect my company’s intellectual property. I work closely with engineers during the product development process to ensure that our IP is safeguarded before a product goes to market. This involves filing patents and coordinating with engineers and legal teams to capture every essential feature and innovation.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love being involved in the product lifecycle from its inception. It’s exciting to see all the cool features before they’re released to the market. For example, I got to work on patenting the microphone in AirPods before it was ever announced.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
I’d say the number of meetings can be overwhelming at times, but overall it’s manageable. Occasionally, if someone shares an invention last minute and I need to get involved, it can be challenging to have enough time to prepare fully.