Honigman Welcomes Two Patent Attorneys

Honigman welcomes Li Gao, Ph.D. and James K. Leonard, Ph.D. as associates in its Intellectual Property department and Patent practice group. To date, Honigman has hired 12 IP attorneys this year. Dr. Gao practices in the firm’s Lansing office, and Dr. Leonard practices in the Grand Rapids office.

Dr. Gao focuses her practice on preparing and prosecuting patent applications related to pharmaceutical, chemical, and medical device related technologies. She joins Honigman from Brinks Gilson & Lione. Dr. Gao previously served as director of research and development at AFID Therapeutics, Inc.

Dr. Gao earned her J.D., summa cum laude, from Michigan State University College of Law.  She received her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Michigan State University.  A native Mandarin speaker, she received her M.S. and B.S. in Chemistry from Nankai University in China.

Dr. Leonard’s practice focuses on preparing and prosecuting patent applications related to chemical, materials, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food science, nutritional supplement, and medical device related technologies. He joins Honigman from Price Heneveld LLP, and previously worked for Eastman Chemical Company.

Dr. Leonard received his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin. He also holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry and a M.S. in Pharmacy (Medicinal Chemistry) from the University of Florida, and a B.S. in Chemistry and Spanish from the University of Michigan.

Honigman’s IP department received a Band 1 ranking in Michigan from Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2017.