Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton
Firm overview:
International firm Kilpatrick has embedded itself in China, being the first US firm to strategically place an office in Shanghai’s Zhangjiang High-Tech Park—home to around 2,000 tech companies. It has a small but active patent team in the country that draws on the expertise of the firm’s wider Asia practice when needed, and has access to a network of more than 230 patent attorneys and technical/scientific staff worldwide.
The team has some longstanding relationships with clients in the country, focusing on helping Chinese companies grow their IP portfolios as well as advising US clients with an interest in the region. The firm takes a personal approach to clients’ patent needs, bringing an understanding of the nuances of doing business in China to its dealings with clients.
Team overview:
Managing partner of the Shanghai office Charles Gray is an expert on Chinese and US patent counselling and prosecution. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Gray’s clients appreciate that he tailors his advice to the specific needs of their business, and he has a deep understanding of Chinese patent practice.
A notable departure from the team was that of Fei Shen, who left in January 2025 after nearly a decade with Kilpatrick to join K&L Gates.
Key matters:
- Datang Telecom Group: Patent portfolio management and strategic counselling
Kilpatrick advises major telecoms client Datang Telecom Group on strengthening its patent portfolio in critical areas of technology, including mobile communications, wireless networking, and semiconductor design.
Charles Gray and his team have developed and implemented new systems and processes to streamline Datang’s patent practice, enhance the quality of its patent filings, and protect its innovations.
- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC): Patent portfolio management
Kilpatrick’s selection by world-leading semiconductor foundry TSMC for patent work in China indicates the firm’s reputation for high-quality services. Charles Gray leads the work, which focuses on strengthening TSMC’s patent portfolio in core areas of semiconductor manufacturing.
- TP-Link: Patent portfolio management and strategic development services
Charles Gray provides patent portfolio management and strategic development services to TP-Link, a global provider of networking and smart home devices. This has centered on enhancing the client’s patent position in key technologies, including wireless protocols, network security, and IoT innovations. Gray has also assisted in creating streamlined processes for identifying and protecting TP-Link’s innovations.
Clients:
Changxin Memory Technologies, Datang Telecom Group, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, TP-Link
