Jean Nguyen is a corporate-patent associate in MoFo’s Los Angeles office. She focuses her practice on domestic and international patent prosecution. She is a founder and co-leader of the firm’s Life Sciences Data Analytics patent group. As part of the Diverse in Practice series, we asked Jean about working cross-functionally with the Patent Counseling & Prosecution Group, and how the team’s unique voices and perspectives are driving outstanding client outcomes.
What was it that initially drew you to Patent Counseling + Prosecution law?
I love engineering, science, and more specifically, innovations. One of the most exciting things about Patent Counseling + Prosecution law is being in the front seat, exposed to all these new ideas and all these smart inventors.
Do you have any examples of interesting work you’ve performed in the Patent Counseling + Prosecution space?
Another great thing about Patent Counseling + Prosecution law is being able to work on a wide range of technologies. I have been able to work on everything from virtual/augmented reality to implantable medical devices. Some of the inventions relate to what’s under the hood, and other inventions relate to what you can see and hold. In either situation, the work I do is making an impact on everyone: consumers, small businesses, large corporations, governmental entities, etc.
Could you tell us about someone who was a role model to you, either personally or professionally, and why?
The most inspirational person I know is my dad. His curiosity gave him the motivation to find answers. His passion gave him the drive to seek more. No matter how tough things got, he put in the time and effort to get it done. And he always did this with a smile on his face.
Can you speak to the importance of mentorship in your career, or perhaps why you are driven to mentor others?
I think mentorship is very important, especially early on in one’s career. Because technology is always changing, Patent Counseling + Prosecution law is too. As a result, every career path is unique. You can really learn a lot from a mentor, and s/he can help be a guide to navigating the always-changing waters.