Noted IP Attorney James Sze Joins Ballard Spahr

SAN DIEGO (August 1, 2014) – James Y.C. Sze, an intellectual property attorney known for his patent work for high-tech and financial service clients, has joined Ballard Spahr as a partner in the firm’s San Diego office, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.

Mr. Sze focuses on complex domestic and international patent prosecution in the electrical engineering and software technologies and counseling on patent infringement issues. His practice includes patent portfolio management, identifying technology for IP protection, auditing in-house intellectual property management practices, patent prosecution, and patent litigation, particularly in electrical and computer-related patents.

“Since we opened our San Diego office in 2010, our goal has been to expand our litigation strength and diversify our capability in Southern California,” Mr. Stewart said. “James is an exceptional attorney and we are thrilled to welcome him as our first IP attorney in San Diego.”

Mr. Sze advises on patent validity, infringement, and enforceability, as well as freedom to operate within a particular technological space. He represents clients in financial services, computer graphics, computer communications technology, computer architecture, and bioinformatics, as well as university technology transfer offices. A former engineer with Qualcomm, Inc., Mr. Sze designed satellite communications software, messaging systems, and other wireless applications. Mr. Sze also has enforced, licensed, and assisted in the sale of patents he has written.

“Electrical engineering and computer science technologies represent some of the most significant growth areas in patent litigation and patent prosecution,” said Mitchell A. Katz, chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department. “James has a considerable talent as an IP strategist in these industries, and he brings significant client relationships that will help us realize the tremendous potential we see for IP work on the West Coast and in our Western offices.”

Mr. Sze joins Ballard Spahr from Duane Morris LLP, where he was a partner. At Ballard Spahr, he is a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department and its Intellectual Property Litigation and Patents Groups, as well as its Electrical Engineering and Software Teams.

“With its entrepreneurial mindset, Ballard Spahr is known for having an intellectual property practice that can serve a full range of client needs,” Mr. Sze said. “I am excited to have the opportunity to build an IP transactional and litigation practice in California.”

About Ballard Spahr

Ballard Spahr LLP, a national law firm with more than 500 lawyers in 14 offices in the United States, provides a range of services in litigation, business and finance, real estate, intellectual property, and public finance. Our clients include Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, life sciences and technology companies, health systems, investors and developers, government agencies and sponsored enterprises, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The firm combines a national scope of practice with strong regional market knowledge. For more information, please visit www.ballardspahr.com.