An Interview of Dawn Yu, Patent Attorney, Tea Lover & Loving Mom

Question 1: Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your practice as a patent attorney? What do you specialize in, and how do you work with clients?

I’m Dawn Yu, a Chinese patent attorney focused on patent invalidation proceedings and patent commercialization. I support technology companies by assessing patent strength and developing evidence-driven strategies.

Being naturally collaborative, I also spend time on IP education. I organize webinars and workshops and invite associates from different jurisdictions to introduce their practices and share real-world perspectives. I enjoy connecting people from different professional backgrounds, especially when an IP strategy needs to support products moving through a global supply chain.

Question 2: What drew you to a career in IP law, and how did your background shape the practitioner you’ve become?

I chose to be an IP practitioner because “IP” has always felt close to home. My dad is a patent litigator, and when I was young, he brought me to factories to examine suspected infringing products. I listened to him about his work at the Canton Fair and litigation stories with his peers, debating strategy, and turning complex disputes into practical solutions. To me, it was fascinating (and sometimes surprisingly funny).

As I grew up, I went back and forth between engineering and IP practice. In the end, I realized patents are a kind of community: we support innovators, connect industries, and reward problem-solving. I love the collaborative nature of the IP world; professionals working across jurisdictions and aligning strategies as products move across borders. When products travel to different countries, my work travels with them, and that’s the journey I enjoy.

Question 3: Outside of your legal practice, do you have any favorite hobbies?

My favorite hobbies are exploring new trails and “treasure hunting” for mushrooms. It slows me down and makes me notice textures, colors, and seasons. I’m also a tea lover (floral blends are my go-to), and I enjoy cooking for my kid.

Mushrooms in the forest

Cups of tea