Jun Ma ’20 is a Patent Agent at Merchant & Gould in Minneapolis.
Ma was a Ph.D. scientist, and a research and development engineer, for ten years before transitioning into patent practice. For seven years, he worked as a product development specialist at 3M. It was here he developed interests in patent law through invention submission, intellectual property generation and protection, and collaboration with 3M patent lawyers. His technical background is in polymer chemistry and materials. “I am a very technical person, believing technology and innovation are essentials to drive the improvement of society and human life.”
Ma began law school at Mitchell Hamline in 2017 as a part-time evening student. After his 2L year, he transitioned his technical career into patent practice in the Merchant & Gould Chemical Practice Group in 2019.
Ma shared that his favorite course at Mitchell Hamline was Patent Law I and II taught by Professor Carl Moy, saying “Professor Moy is a nationally renowned patent law expert, and a great legal inventor and theorist. His patent law treatise is an encyclopedia that provides many unique legal theories that are fundamental to the history, development, and advancement of the U.S. patent system.”
“I also enjoyed Professor Erstling’s International IP Law course. He is a world famous IP law expert. His is also a co-author of the Comparative IP law casebook. His course and casebook are great resources for students to gain a deep understanding about the various patent systems in the world.”
Ma took a patent prosecution course offered by two local practicing patent attorneys. “This course was probably the most practical and useful course for an entry-level patent practitioner. Students learned a whole lot of essential practicing skills that do not exist in any textbooks.”
Ma chose to attend Mitchell Hamline because it provided the most flexible part-time law school opportunities in the region. “Mitchell Hamline has one of the best IP programs, especially in patent law. The IP program provides rigorous curriculum and the best career networking opportunities for patent students.”
“I am a great fan of patent law and patent practice,” said Ma. He shared that patent practice, especially patent prosecution, requires both solid technical expertise and strong legal skills in reading, writing, analysis, and client service. “IP generation and protection are not only important for inventors and investors, but also important for the public. Patent practitioners have the responsibility to define the invention using technically and legally precise language so that the general public can understand and appreciate the advancement of technologies that are beneficial to the whole society. Patent law is a great career for those who want to bridge science and law, and to become a lifelong learner and promoter of new technologies.”