Oct. 16, 2014
Fish & Tsang LLP
See more on Fish & Tsang LLPIrvine, Redwood City | Intellectual property law
"We have a passion for IP - the technology, the new development, bettering the world," Mei Tsang said.
The firm's mission entails long-term commitment with their clients, she added.
"It's not just getting the patent or the trademark, but understanding what drives them - their dreams and goals and how we can achieve those things by using IP."
For Robert Fish , "We want to know why they are getting a patent and what is the business purpose. Sometimes they don't appreciate what they need, from an IP perspective, to achieve their business goals, or even what questions to ask."
Educating the clients is key to the process, Fish said.
"Properly matching the IP strategy to business perspectives requires brainstorming between client and attorney," he added. "Even IP-experienced clients need this, because patent law has changed dramatically over the last decade."
Among those changes, Fish said, is the America Invents Act, which switched the U.S. from a first-to-invent to a first-to-file system.
There also have been recent rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court significantly narrowing what is patent-eligible subject matter, Fish said.
In addition is the heightened scrutiny on patents deemed to be too broad.
"We have been counseling our clients to think about applications in a different way," Tsang said. "We have brainstorming sessions, helping them to extract more of what they invented so they will have a diversified portfolio."
The partners also try to be proactive, anticipating changes in the marketplace whenever possible, she added.
This means staying focused on the IP landscape and not branching out into other practice areas.
"In order to do something well, you have to make a committed effort into an area," Tsang said. "We carve out new frontiers for our clients and new opportunities to use IP in different ways. We are problem solvers at the end of the day."
Fish, who will be teaching a course on patent prosecution at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, also has authored several books on intellectual property.
"This is not just for IP prosecutors and patent examiners, but to help bridge the understanding of IP law with people who are inventing and to business owners," Tsang said of her partner's books. "We do well here, nurturing those who have a thirst for IP - our associates, our clients and in the community."
When asked if they would consider merging with another firm, Fish said, "No. We are happy with our culture."
Tsang added, "This is a very collaborative environment and not cut throat. There is no 'my client and your client,' just the firm client. When someone walks in the door, everyone should feel ownership in helping them out."
Meanwhile, the firm has been growing, having recently opened a second office in Silicon Valley's Redwood City.
In 2007, Fish opened Fish & Associates PC and Tsang came on board. In 2014, it was rebranded as Fish & Tsang LLP.
The firm employs three partners, 11 associates, one of counsel and two patent agents.
While there were some rough times during the economic downturn in 2008 and 2009, since then, Tsang said, "We are growing at a rate of 20 to 30 percent."
Fish added, "I predict that again for next year."
- Pat Broderick
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
Jeremy_Ellis@dailyjournal.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 213-229-5424
Send a letter to the editor:
Email: letters@dailyjournal.com