Intellectual property: local firms

Lee & Ko

Lee & Ko boasts a large team of seasoned IP litigators and patent attorneys, many of whom hold technical degrees across fields such as chemicals, semiconductors, materials science, and electronics. This depth equips the firm to deliver high-quality legal services across patent and technology matters for a diverse client base. The team is led by Un Ho Kim, renowned for his expertise in patent infringement and invalidation cases across various technical fields, representing top multinational and domestic companies. Heon Lee, with his experience as a former patent court judge, significantly enhances litigation strategy. Keum Nang Park is a leading expert in pharmaceutical IP law, while Kyungjin Kim focuses on patent litigation and IPTAB trials in the chemical and biotech sectors.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The patent litigation team and its advice have always been sound, effective and on time.’
‘Keum Nang Park is always available and prompt.’
‘Lee & Ko has supported us tremendously in various ways and always timely communicates with us what is going on. They are always punctual and show great attention to details, which might have escaped our attention. Furthermore, without Lee & Ko’s help, we would not have efficiently handled the discovery process. Lee & Ko's team always explained to us in plain terms what the company should do to comply with the discovery process, and thanks to their advice, we are navigating this process without much difficulty.'
‘Their legal service and work product reflect their deep expertise in IP matters, which is exactly what you would expect from a market-leading law firm. In addition, they work tirelessly to advocate the client’s interests. Even in the case we worked together, they did really go the extra mile to protect the client’s business, as the existence of the client’s business itself was at stake. The settlement would not have been possible without Lee & Ko’s support.’
‘We chose Lee & Ko because they have one of the best IP teams in Korea. Their expertise is second to none, and they have a team of dedicated lawyers who pay attention down to the minute details. Also, they think creatively, which aligns nicely with how we approach each case. Jaewoo Kwak is someone I can count on and speak candidly to seek an opinion from the Korean law perspective. Adding to that, he is savvy to the US practices, which is a great plus.’
'They have specialised expertise in various domains of intellectual property law, a proven track record of successful case outcomes, and a client-centric approach that aligns legal strategies with business objectives. Key strengths could include a comprehensive suite of IP services, a multidisciplinary team with diverse backgrounds, and strategic global alliances.'
‘Jaewoo Kwak stands out for his visionary leadership and unparalleled expertise in navigating complex intellectual property disputes. His innovative approach to litigation and negotiation has not only won significant cases but also shaped the practice of IP law. Jaewoo is known for his forward-thinking strategies and his ability to anticipate industry trends, which has positioned our firm at the forefront of the legal landscape. Clients frequently commend his dedication to their long-term success and his knack for turning challenging situations into opportunities.'

Key clients

OCI
Coway
Boryung Pharmaceutical
Regeneron
SharkNinja
Kakao Games
LG Electronics
Chemtronics
Samsung SDS
Shinsegae Property
SK Chemical
LG H&H
Naver
Daewoong Pharmaceutical
Webzen

Work highlights

Representing OCI, a speciality chemical manufacturer, and securing a winning judgment before the Supreme Court where the court held that the counterparty’s patent, which relates to parameter inventions, should be invalidated for not meeting the description requirements.
Representing Coway, a No.1 water purifier company, in multiple lawsuits (e.g., invalidation actions, infringement suits) initiated by and against the market competitor where more than USD 40 million is at stake and securing a broken string of favourable judgments in both defensive and offensive litigations.
Representing Boryung Pharmaceutical in patent challenges by generic companies before the Patent Court, thereby effectively preventing generic entry for its original drug when the chance of successful defence is minuscule.