认识一下拥有有机化学博士学位的IP志愿者

2021年11月17日

威尔逊·松西尼·古德里奇 & Rosati合伙人冯天博士.D. 在有机化学中, 获得药品发明专利, and even helped create a drug candidate for treatment of diabetes.

How did his career in research science lead him to a career in intellectual property law and volunteer service with the 公益性服务 Center's 非营利组织 & 小企业法律援助项目?

冯在中国北京长大. 作为一名高中生, 他在一次国家级化学竞赛中获得第三名, which served as the catalyst for his studies at Peking University. After completing a Bachelor and Master of Science at Peking University, 他移民到美国继续他的教育. 他后来获得了博士学位.D. 密歇根州立大学有机化学专业毕业.

As a research scientist, Feng led a team of chemists seeking a cure for diabetes. They successfully discovered and patented a small molecule drug candidate as a potential treatment for Type 1 and 2 diabetes. The organization later went bankrupt, and Feng’s last paycheck came from the sale of patents. The experience inspired him to explore a career in IP law because IP has value and may have a longer life than the initial owner of the IP.

如今，冯是威尔逊·松西尼·古德里奇的高级合伙人 & 他的工作重点是专利申请, 知识产权尽职调查, 以及一般知识产权咨询. 他也是D的定期志愿者.C. 酒吧公益中心的非营利组织 & 小企业法律援助计划(NPSB). “通过与NPSB合作, nonprofit organizations and small business owners can find answers to their legal questions and be better prepared to reach the full potential of their businesses,冯说. “It’s also a meaningful way for me to give back to the local organizations that give our community so much.”

Christine Kulumani, the Center’s small business attorney, complimented Feng’s volunteer efforts. “Feng does a great job making complicated IP matters digestible for our clients. He provides thoughtful advice in a friendly and approachable way. 最令人印象深刻的是, he has gone above and beyond by helping clients respond to Trademark Office Actions.”

在一个诊所, Feng helped a client with the trademark application process for their networking service through an online legal service platform. 面试过程中, he found out that the online legal service platform never filed the trademarks for the client. He explained the trademark application process to the client and encouraged the client to file the trademark application directly. “客户很专注, 专业, and enthusiastic about helping others to extend their social and 专业 networks,冯说. “我很高兴能帮上一点忙.”

Feng has put his skills to pro bono practice by consulting with clients through the 公益性服务 Center’s 非营利组织 IP Clinic, 小企业简要咨询法律咨询诊所, 以及非营利组织的创业法律诊所 & 小型企业. 他目前从事知识产权尽职调查, and general IP counseling has prepared him translate complex information to outside audiences, and an affinity for giving back has prepared him to help local small businesses and nonprofits.

Asked how he finds time to serve the community in addition to his busy law practice, 冯指出，他的大部分公益工作都是通过司法部进行的.C. 酒吧 公益性服务 Center only requires an hour or two of commitment, 他可以通过一些计划来适应. He also treats pro bono work as an opportunity to meet other like-minded attorneys in the DMV.

“I would encourage members to try out a few events organized by the D.C. 酒吧和会见其他志愿者. I understand that the pandemic makes it harder to socialize with fellow volunteers during pro bono events,冯说. “硬币的反面, online pro bono events allows volunteers to help the community from anywhere in the world (I once volunteered from France), 减少了到活动地点的旅行时间. 总的来说，我很享受和D.C. 酒吧公益中心在线或亲自.”

“Helping pro bono clients from all walks of life is gratifying,冯说. 在小企业诊所的很多场合, I learned about the struggles of entrepreneurs who tried to find a path forward through the jungle of IP protection. It is gratifying to help people in matters important to their lives and businesses.”