Experience

Li Zhu’s practice focuses on complex patent and commercial litigation. Li represents both plaintiffs and defendants, and advises clients in a variety of markets and technical fields, including computer technology, biotechnology, medical devices, DNA sequencing, and food products. Li has experience identifying and implementing strategies to clearly and persuasively communicate complicated legal and technical issues to any audience. He has represented clients in venues across the country, including the Western District of Wisconsin, the Northern District of Illinois, and the District of Minnesota. 

Li is intimately familiar with recent changes in the law following the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. He has presented speeches and published articles on how the new trial proceedings within the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, including Inter Partes Review, will affect companies in the future.

Li is also committed to providing pro bono representation to individuals who would not otherwise be able to obtain legal services. His trial experience includes his passionate advocacy for indigent clients in Minnesota state and immigration court. His recent victories include successfully obtaining asylum for a Cameroonian immigrant who was persecuted for her political activism.

Northstar Lawyer
  • Awarded the Wiley M. Manuel Pro Bono Certificate by the California Lawyers Association for providing at least 50 hours of pro bono legal services (2023)
  • Named a “North Star Lawyer” by the Minnesota State Bar Association for providing at least 50 hours of pro bono legal services (2014, 2016)
Bar Admissions
  • California
  • Minnesota
  • U.S. District Court, Minnesota
Spoken Languages
  • Chinese
Education
  • University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., magna cum laude (2011); Supervising Editor, Minnesota Journal of Law, Science & Technology
  • University of California, San Diego, B.S. in Bioengineering (2007)
Professional Associations
  • Federal Bar Association
  • Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Pathfinder (2018)
  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
  • Patent v Trade Secret Protection
    AccessMCLE, Webinar (May 24, 2017)
  • How Early Stage and Growh Companies Can Protect their Intellectual Property
    The Bio2Device Group, Sunnyvale, California (September 15, 2015)
  • The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA): What You Need To Know
    Minnesota Intellectual Property Counsel, Minneapolis, Minnesota (June 12, 2012)
  • The America Invents Act: Enforcing and Challenging Patents
    Co-presenter (February 23, 2012)
  • The America Invents Act: Overview and Strategic Considerations
    Co-presenter (January 26, 2012)
  • The America Invents Act: Strategies for Litigation Now and in the Future
    BNA, Webinar (December 15, 2011)
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