Stephen M. Chin

direct dial (212) 514-8653
fax (212) 514-8648
smc@vsandc.com

Stephen focuses his practice on intellectual property, with an emphasis on patents. He counsels clients on patent acquisition strategies, including preparation and prosecution of patent applications, opinion work and due diligence. Stephen has extensive experience in all phases of patent litigation, from discovery through appeals to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. He also represents clients in a range of other types of commercial litigation, including unfair competition and theft of trade secrets. In addition, Stephen advises clients on the establishment and assertion of their trademark rights and helps them to institute legal protections for their trade secrets. Examples of Stephen's work for his clients include:

• Successful negotiation of a global settlement for a large telecommunications company in a battle with a major competitor. This resolved multiple complex litigations which included 11 different patent infringement claims spanning four federal courts in Maryland, California and Texas.
• Representation of a mid-size electronic device manufacturer in asserting its patent against a larger competitor. After the competitor filed a lawsuit in a California federal court, it was tactically decided to initiate a case involving the same patent before the International Trade Commission. The higher pressure involved in an ITC case led to a favorable settlement for the client.
• Successful and efficient defense of a small aerosol can manufacturer accused of infringing a competitor's patent. As a result of summary judgment motions, the district court found the competitor's patent to be invalid, obviating the need for a costly trial.
• Negotiation of a patent license agreement on behalf of a small prepackaged food manufacturer.
• Assistance in the creation of a patent incentive program at an electronic company's research and development facility.
• Preparation and prosecution of patent applications for clients in industries including:
  • Software;
  • Business methods;
  • Telecommunications; and
  • Laser microscopy

Stephen was a partner at Reed Smith, LLP prior to founding von Simson & Chin. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering at Columbia University and his Juris Doctor degree at New York Law School.