James Y.C. Sze practices intellectual property law, applying it as a tool to promote business growth. Focusing on clients in high-tech industries, Mr. Sze tailors intellectual property strategies based on corporate needs. His practice includes patent portfolio management, identifying technology for IP protection, auditing in-house intellectual property management practices and patent prosecution/litigation, particularly in electrical and computer-related patents.

Mr. Sze has enforced patents he has written, providing perspectives in patent drafting and enforcement. This experience also enhances his rendering of opinions of counsel regarding patent validity, infringement, and enforceability, as well as freedom to operate within a particular technological space.

Admitted to practice in California and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Mr. Sze's litigation experience includes both U.S. District Court actions and a trial before the U.S. International Trade Commission. In 2008, Mr. Sze won The San Diego Daily Transcript Top IP attorney award (finalist); in both 2005 and 2007, he was named a semifinalist.

Prior to entering law school, Mr. Sze was an engineer with Qualcomm Inc., where he designed satellite communications software, messaging systems and other wireless applications.

Mr. Sze is a graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law, the University of California, San Diego (M.S. Electrical and Computer Engineering) and the University of California at Berkeley (B.S., Electrical Engineering/Computer Science and B.S., Materials Science Engineering).

Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Mr. Sze also advises his clients on protecting their intellectual property in the Far East.

Admissions

• California
• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
• U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
• U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
• U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California

Education

• University of San Diego School of Law, J.D., 1999
• University of California, San Diego, M.S. Electrical and Computer Engineering, 1994
• University of California, Berkeley, B.S. Electrical Engineering/Computer Science, 1991
• University of California, Berkeley, B.S. Materials Science Engineering, 1991

Other Experience

• Duane Morris LLP
  - Partner, 2008-present
  - Counsel, 2005-2007
• Pillsbury Winthrop, LLP
  - Senior Associate/Patent Agent, 1997-2005
• Qualcomm Incorporated
  - Engineer, 1992-1997
• University of California, National Science Foundation's Integrated Circuits and Systems (ICAS) Research Center, San Diego
  - Graduate Research Assistant, 1992-1994

Honors / Awards

• Semi-Finalist for San Diego Daily Transcript's Top Attorney in IP Attorney category, 2005

Board Memberships

• Berkeley Engineering Alumni Society
  - Board of Directors

Speaking Engagements

• Panelist, CommNexus San Diego's Annual IP Case Law Review, San Diego, California, November 4, 2010