Haynes and Boone, LLP has bolstered its Silicon Valley bench, adding prominent intellectual property lawyer Philip Woo as a partner. Woo previously was a partner at Sidley Austin LLP.

Woo, a widely recognized IP litigator, prosecutor, and strategist, is entrusted by innovation-driven, high-tech clients — from start-ups to Fortune 500 corporations — to serve as lead technical counsel on litigation and transactional matters.  He has been recognized in the 2013–2017 editions of Best Lawyers in America(Woodward/White, Inc.).

Woo has appeared in federal courts across the country, helping companies defend against and strategically assert patents. Working with technology giants like STMicroelectronics, he has successfully defended clients in intellectual property matters at the International Trade Commission, as well as courts across the country, including the Northern District of California, Eastern District of Texas, and the District of Delaware.

Woo advises companies on the strategic use of administrative proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, including inter partes review (IPR) and covered business method review, often in conjunction with litigation. He was counsel in the first IPR case resulting in a successful final determination invalidating claims of the patent at issue.

“Phil provides a huge boost to our Intellectual Property Practice,” said Brian Kwok, administrative partner of Haynes and Boone’s Palo Alto office.  “He has a tremendous track record with intellectual property litigation and strategy, and he shares our vision to grow Haynes and Boone’s presence in California to provide the best legal services possible to our clients.  This makes him a perfect fit for the firm and our clients.”

Woo is also a seasoned transactional lawyer, regularly helping companies secure patent protection and make strategic decisions concerning patent portfolios, including the acquisition of individual patents or entire patent estates in connection with public offerings and mergers and acquisitions.

His technical skill spans all forms of electrical and electronic arts, including computer architecture, storage systems and networks, server networks and architecture, microprocessors, memories, software and internet applications, telecommunications, wireless, interactive television and electronic program guides, satellite, business methods, semiconductor design and processing, semiconductor packaging, circuit design and medical devices.

“Haynes and Boone has a deep bench of IP lawyers in offices across the country and exceptional talent in the Bay Area,” Woo said. “The firm is on an ambitious growth path, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

The IP lawyers at Haynes and Boone help protect and secure thousands of inventions and innovations and clear products for launch for the firm’s clients, which range from entrepreneurs and middle-market businesses to some of the world’s largest companies. More than half of the firm’s patent lawyers have worked as engineers, programmers or technical salespeople, with many also serving as in-house counsel for leading technology companies and as patent examiners at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.