Manatt Bolsters D.C. Office with International IP Litigator.

Ryu brings extensive global patent experience to national Intellectual Property practice

WASHINGTON -- Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, announced that Mike S. Ryu has joined the Washington, D.C., office of the firm as a litigation partner in the Intellectual Property practice. With more than 20 years of experience in the intellectual property field and a particular focus on international issues, he joins Manatt after more than eight years in Paris, France, with the firm Cabinet Beau de Lomenie.

Ryu's practice centers on strategic counseling regarding obtaining, exploiting and defending intellectual property rights in the United States and abroad, with an emphasis on patent-related issues. His diverse technical expertise includes semiconductor chip manufacturing, glass and carbon fiber-reinforced composite materials, thin-film transistors, data network applications, gas turbine engines, and medical devices.

"Mike's experience helping European and Asian clients navigate U.S. intellectual property law is extraordinary," said Jill M. Pietrini, chair of Manatt's Intellectual Property practice group. "With globalization increasingly blurring borders, these issues have never been more complex or critical. He will be a valuable resource to our clients and is a great addition to our strong national IP team."

Ryu's addition comes on the heels of patent litigator and ITC specialist Stephen Sulzer's arrival in the Washington, D.C., office late last year.

Remarking that the firm's strong reputation across several practices beyond intellectual property influenced his decision to join, Ryu said that clients "look to Manatt for the combination of proven litigation expertise and deep and diverse industry knowledge. The opportunity to work with dynamic and well-respected attorneys was important to me, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues across the country."

Manatt's Intellectual Property group handles a broad range of matters including all facets of intellectual property and Internet litigation, licensing, counseling, prosecution, registration and government advocacy. Lawyers advise clients in areas such as patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secret protection as well as provide government advocacy and policy expertise.

Ryu earned a B.S. from Boston University and a J.D. from George Mason University.

About Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, is one of the nation's leading law firms, with offices strategically located in California (Los Angeles, Orange County, Palo Alto, San Francisco and Sacramento), New York (New York City and Albany) and Washington, D.C. The firm represents a sophisticated client base -- including Fortune 500, middle-market and emerging companies -- across a range of practice areas and industry sectors. For more information, visit www.manatt.com.