Foley Adds IP Partners Ngai Zhang and Drew Schulte, Enhancing Innovative Technology Capabilities

Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that it has bolstered its Innovative Technology Sector and Electronics Practice with the addition of partners Ngai Zhang and Drew Schulte in Washington, D.C. and Miami, respectively. Zhang and Schulte, who join Foley from Perkins Coie LLP, bring extensive experience counseling on strategic patent prosecution with a focus on the software and financial technology sectors.

“Ngai and Drew are exceptional fits for Foley,” said Pavan Agarwal, chair of Foley’s Innovative Technology Sector. “As Washington, D.C. and Miami continue to evolve as technology hubs, Ngai’s and Drew’s dynamic practices and capacity for comprehensive intellectual property counseling that delivers successful business solutions for clients will make them invaluable contributors across the firm. We are pleased to have them on board as we continue growing our Innovative Technology Sector service offerings.”

Zhang focuses his practice on internet and technology law, including patents, trademarks, open source, technology transactions, user agreements, contests, and sweepstakes. He advises a wide range of clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, on matters concerning artificial intelligence and machine learning, fintech, blockchain, cybersecurity, cloud computing, digital health, and virtual, augmented, and mixed realities. Zhang also has extensive experience with patent portfolio management and prosecution, as well as patent post-grant review and litigation.

Admitted before the United States and European patent offices, Schulte focuses his practice on patent prosecution, particularly in the fintech space. He is a recognized thought leader in patenting cutting-edge technology and scientific disciplines such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other fintech applications. In addition to post-grant proceedings in the United States, Schulte has conducted more than 60 European Patent Office (EPO) oppositions and argued before both the EPO Technical Board of Appeals and the Enlarged Board of Appeals.

“Ngai and Drew are highly respected IP lawyers and strong additions to the firm,” said Christopher McKenna, co-chair of Foley’s Electronics Practice Group. “Their innovative approach and keen understanding of diverse technological areas will greatly benefit our high-tech industry clients and further strengthen our Electronics Practice capabilities, both on the East Coast and nationally.”

“Foley offers our practices an environment conducive to expansion,” said Zhang and Schulte. “The firm’s national platform and resources, sector-driven focus, and the intersectional approach that spurs collaboration across practices will be invaluable in offering our clients the full spectrum of IP support. We are excited to join the team.”

About Foley & Lardner LLP

Foley & Lardner LLP is a preeminent law firm that stands at the nexus of the Energy, Health Care and Life Sciences, Innovative Technology, and Manufacturing Sectors. We look beyond the law to focus on the constantly evolving demands facing our clients and act as trusted business advisors to deliver creative, practical, and effective solutions. Our 1,100 lawyers across 25 offices worldwide partner on the full range of engagements from corporate counsel to intellectual property work and litigation support, providing our clients with a one-team solution to all their needs. For nearly two centuries, Foley has maintained its commitment to the highest level of innovative legal services and to the stewardship of our people, firm, clients, and the communities we serve.