Victor Wang ’15 joins Cardozo as the new director of the Cardozo/Google Patent Diversity Project, which aims to increase patents issued to women, people of color, and underprivileged inventors. The Google-funded project, in collaboration with Cardozo’s Tech Startup Clinic, will offer students a unique hands-on experience in patent law.

Wang brings a combination of technical and legal experience to the director role. He received a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Columbia University, and worked as a patent examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He was also an IP associate at Baker & McKenzie, where he was heavily involved in patent litigation and prosecution in the automotive, telecommunications, electrical control methods, design, and oilfield services arts.  Wang also has international experience; he frequently traveled abroad to provide training for major Asian clients and government entities.

Wang developed his passion for diversity and inclusion service by staying involved in bar association programs. He is especially passionate about helping women and people of color obtain patents. “There’s a huge innovation gap,” he said.

Wang sees the Cardozo/Google Patent Diversity Project as one of the few diversity-driven programs of its kind in the country. He hopes the project will help to connect inventors one-on-one with patent attorneys and discover some of America’s “lost Einsteins.” The program will also serve the student body well, and Wang said he will treat students in the clinic as first-year associates and work on perfecting their real-world skills, such as drafting patent applications. Students with technical backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.

“Thanks to this Google funded program, we can connect those in need of legal service with those who are willing to provide, while allowing students to learn multiple aspects of patent law practice.” Wang said.

Wang looks forward to tapping into the Cardozo network and offering pro bono opportunities for Cardozo alumni to work with the clinic students.

“Alums are some of the best real-world resources that students can have, and it’s going to be wonderful to help connect them,” he said.

Learn more about the Patent Diversity Project at 

https://cardozo.yu.edu/CardozoGoogleProjectforPatentDiversity