Biography
Kwanwoo Lee is a registered patent attorney who secures and protects intellectual property rights for Fortune 500 companies, universities, and other high-tech clients in the electrical and computer technology fields.
He recently rejoined Marshall Gerstein after serving as Associate General Counsel at UnitedHealth Group, where he led patent strategy and patent quality initiatives. His work earned him recognition in IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists in 2025.
In 2023, Kwanwoo was selected for inclusion in the Illinois Rising Stars® list, featuring outstanding young attorneys in the state. In 2022, he was selected to participate in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Pathfinder Program. The LCLD Pathfinder Program focuses on foundational leadership skills and strategies for continuous career development.
Outside the office, Kwanwoo spends time with his wife and two young children. When time permits, he enjoys playing tennis and the piano.
Representative Experience
Drawing on his electrical engineering degree and related work experience, Kwanwoo manages patent portfolios and prepares and prosecutes patent applications for technologies directed to:
- 4G and 5G standards for cellular networks
- Artificial intelligence
- Blockchain
- E-commerce systems
- Vehicle navigation, including autonomous vehicles
- Mobile applications and data management for smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices
- Digital image processing for video games and other applications
- Semiconductors and related fabrication processes
- Internal combustion engines and turbochargers
- Insurance and financial services
Within these technology areas, Kwanwoo has secured patent protection in the United States and foreign jurisdictions, considering issues related to patentability and freedom-to-operate, counseling clients on infringement matters, performing portfolio due diligence, and participating in patent litigation.
Background and Credentials
Prior to his legal career, Kwanwoo was a technology analyst at Accenture, where he gained extensive experience in software testing, development, and project management.
While attending law school classes in the evening, Kwanwoo worked full-time as a patent agent at an international law firm, providing patent prosecution services to Fortune 500 companies. He also served as a submissions editor of the Chicago-Kent College of Law Journal of Intellectual Property, drafted patent applications for under-resourced inventors through the Chicago-Kent Patent Hub pro bono program, and was selected as a Chicago IP Colloquium Fellow. Kwanwoo earned CALI awards for the highest grade in Software Patents, Legal Writing III, and Legal Analytics.
Education
- Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology (J.D.)
- Certificate in Intellectual Property Law
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (B.S.)
- Electrical Engineering
Bar Admissions
Publications and Presentations
- "Careers in Patent Law," University of Illinois Engineering Student Alumni Ambassadors (ESAA), Presenter, March 2, 2026.
- "Artificial Intelligence and the Effects on Minorities," Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) Annual Minority Bar Conference, Co-Panelist, November 2, 2023.
- "In-House Panel," Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago (IPLAC) Annual IP Symposium, Co-Panelist, October 26, 2023
- "Careers in Intellectual Property and Patent Law," Panelist, Illinois Intellectual Property Alliance (ILIPA) Panel Discussion, April 7, 2022.
- "Careers in Intellectual Property,” University of Illinois Pre-Law Honors Society, Presenter, March 3, 2022.
Community and Professional Involvement
- Asian American Bar Association of Chicago, former 2nd Vice President and Board of Directors
- Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago (IPLAC), former Board of Managers and Vice-Chair of Symposium Committee
- Korean American Bar Association of Chicago, Member
- Lawyers for the Creative Arts, pro bono legal services for financially eligible clients in all areas of the arts
- Wills for Heroes Foundation, pro bono assistance with essential estate planning documents for veterans and first responders
- ADAPT.legal, Mentor