Woo Young Choi is a partner in the IP Practice Group. Mr. Choi primarily focuses his practice on the enforcement of IP rights with a particular emphasis on patents (e.g., electrical, mechanical engineering and computer science), trademarks, copyrights, designs, and trade secrets. Furthermore, leveraging his extensive experience on cross-border IP enforcement matters, Mr. Choi actively advises and represents clients on resolving cross-border IP disputes, including in the context of international distributorship arrangements and enforcement of foreign judgments.

Mr. Choi has established himself as a highly-respected litigation attorney, in particular, in the area of trade secret misappropriation. Mr. Choi successfully represented a Korean steel manufacturer in a global trade secret misappropriation and patent infringement lawsuit involving electrical steel plate against a Japanese steel manufacturer. Further, Mr. Choi has extensive experience in broad spectrum of industrial technologies, including in online businesses, software, and batteries (lithium-ion). Given his deep-seated knowledge and experience in resolving trade secret misappropriation disputes, Mr. Choi frequently advises clients establish and implement trade secret protection guidelines that not only prevents trade secret misappropriation but also ensures a favorable outcome in the event of trade secret misappropriation. In addition, Mr. Choi frequently represents clients in patent, trademark, and copyright infringement lawsuits.

Mr. Choi also has significant experience in advising clients on complex cross-border IP transactions, including patent and trademark licensing, technology transfers, and distributorships. As a representative example, Mr. Choi successfully represented Korean distributors in entering into various distribution arrangements with global electronic company that supply a wide range of electronic products to Korean conglomerates. In addition, Mr. Choi actively advises clients on legal and regulatory issues arising from the implementation and adoption of blockchain technology. Mr. Choi has been recognized as a leading expert in Korea on the issues concerning initial coin offering (ICO), initial exchange offering (IEO), cryptocurrencies on Korean cryptocurrency exchanges, deposit and withdrawal of cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies, expansion of services offered by Korean cryptocurrency exchanges to foreign markets by establishing foreign-based cryptocurrency exchanges, and entry of foreign-based cryptocurrency exchanges to Korea. Furthermore, Mr. Choi successfully advised clients on issues arising from termination and closing of cryptocurrency exchange platforms. Mr. Choi also has a keen understanding of the criminal issues that could arise in the context of establishing, managing, and operating cryptocurrency exchanges, including but not limited to the defense of directors and officers charged with alleged wrongdoings.

Mr. Choi received his Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Seoul National University in 2005. After passing the Korean bar exam in 2005, he was admitted to the Korean Bar and completed the legal training program at the Judicial Research and Training Institute of the Supreme Court of Korea in 2008. Prior to joining Lee & Ko in 2011, he served as a Judge Advocate Officer at the Korea Legal Aid Corporation, and also, at the Prosecutor's Office.

Mr. Choi is based in Lee & Ko PanGyo Office and provides comprehensive and focused advice to meet the progressive needs of industrial innovation and IT companies.