Mu Yang

Mu draws on over 10 years of experience in patent procurement, portfolio management, and infringement analysis, with particular emphasis on software, telecommunication, video compression and streaming, consumer electronics, and medical devices.

Most of Mu’s current practice involves managing large patent portfolios, including advising clients on strategic prosecution of standard essential patents (“SEPs”, for example, H.265, H.266 (VVC), MPEG DASH, LTE, 5G/NR, IoT, etc.). Regarding the importance of SEPs, Mu explains: “In the high-tech industry, the standard setting process drives innovation. The standard setting organizations bring industry leaders together to agree on the preferred technologies. It’s a demanding area, but it’s a privilege to be part of these exciting developments.”

Mu’s technical expertise comes from practical experience. Before law school, Mu worked her way up the “corporate IT ladder,” she notes.  “I started off as a programmer, then managed a portion of a multi-million-dollar software development project, and then managed a team of system analysts.” When she interviews new associates, she likes to ask the interviewees whether they, like herself, can read source code. “At CRK, we pride ourselves on being the best in the software and telecommunication industries,” Mu says, “that requires us to recognize and recruit attorneys that can handle highly technical matters.”

Many of Mu’s legal experiences relate to procuring patent rights globally. “Most of my clients sell products or license their patents overseas,” Mu says, “and my job is to make them to feel safe bringing their technology to a foreign country by developing a comprehensive IP strategy before making the big move.”

Mu is a frequent speaker at conferences, universities, and seminars on both patent law and women’s career advancement. Mu is very passionate about supporting and empowering women, co-founding the Philadelphia Women in IP Mentorship program in 2015.