Perkins Coie hires Pillsbury partners for IP practice

Perkins Coie has hired Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman partners Ngai Zhang and Drew Schulte to its growing IP practice.

The partners will join the firm’s Washington, DC and New York offices respectively, bringing their extensive experience in patent prosecution across the software and financial technology sectors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ngai and Drew to our growing IP practice and know that their fintech experience and innovative approach to portfolio management will be of great benefit to our clients,” said Steve Bishop, co-chair of Perkins Coie’s IP practice.

“Their addition to the group continues our focus on cutting-edge industries and the East Coast.”

Zhang focuses on internet and technology law, specialising in patents, trademarks, open-source, technology transactions and user agreements. He has advised Fortune 500 companies and startups alike on topics such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity and medical devices.

Schulte brings extensive experience as a litigator before the US Patent and Trademark Office and the European Patent Office. In the past few years, Schulte has focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning and fintech.

Bruce Spiva, Perkins Coie’s Washington, DC office managing partner said: “We were impressed by the insightful and entrepreneurial approach Ngai and Drew bring to their work on behalf of their clients and know it will be an asset for our highly regarded patent team,”

“We are pleased to welcome them both to the firm amid the continued growth of our IP practice.”

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