Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has appointed Kunyong Yang as a shareholder in its San Diego office, strengthening its Intellectual Property & Technology Practice.

Yang joins the Patents and Innovation Strategies Group, bringing experience as a former medicinal chemist and patent attorney focused on pharmaceutical and biotechnology innovations.

Strategic Expansion in Life Sciences

Yang advises emerging biotechnology companies, clinical-stage drug developers, and multinational pharmaceutical firms on global patent portfolios, intellectual property due diligence, licensing transactions, and lifecycle management strategies.

His background includes nearly a decade as a scientist before entering the legal profession. This scientific expertise allows him to address complex areas such as small molecule therapeutics, antibody-drug conjugates, radiopharmaceuticals, mRNA, siRNA, and other cutting-edge technologies.

Leadership Perspective

Mark R. Galis, Global Intellectual Property & Technology Practice Co-Chair, highlighted the value of Yang’s dual background.

"Kunyong’s combination of scientific experience, deep pharmaceutical patent knowledge, and international perspective makes him an outstanding addition to our platform," Galis said. "As innovation continues to accelerate across life sciences, biotechnology, and artificial-intelligence-driven drug discovery, Kunyong enhances our ability to help clients protect and maximize the value of their most important innovations worldwide."

Client Representation and Expertise

Yang is recognized for helping innovators develop and defend strategic patent portfolios that support business growth, investment, licensing, and commercialization. His experience spans the innovation lifecycle, from early-stage discovery through regulatory exclusivity and late-stage portfolio management.

He also possesses experience in Hatch-Waxman litigation and post-grant proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Additionally, his fluency in Mandarin Chinese supports clients on cross-border IP matters involving the United States and Asia.

Notable representations include:

• Helping establish global patent portfolios for Nuvalent, Inc., covering precision medicines targeting specific kinases in oncology therapies.
• Advising Allorion Therapeutics on patent matters and IP due diligence for global licensing transactions involving clinical-stage and preclinical cancer therapies.
• Developing patent portfolios for innovative oncology, fibrosis, and metabolic disease therapies.

Professional Background

Yang previously worked with Greenberg Traurig patent and life science shareholders Christopher C. Bolten, Jeffery C. Giering, Ph.D., and Micheal L. Hebert, Ph.D. at Jones Day.

"Having worked as a scientist and inventor before entering the legal profession, I understand both the challenges and the significance of bringing new therapies to patients," Yang said. "The most valuable outcomes of years of research often reside in a company’s intellectual property. This firm’s entrepreneurial culture, innovative approach, and strong reputation in technology and life sciences make it an exciting platform to help clients protect the next generation of scientific breakthroughs."

Yang earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of San Diego School of Law. He holds a master’s degree in organic chemistry from Michigan Technological University and a bachelor’s degree from Nanjing University. He is admitted to practice in California and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

About Greenberg Traurig

Greenberg Traurig, LLP has approximately 3,200 lawyers across 51 locations in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is recognized as a 2025 BTI "Best of the Best Recommended Law Firm" by general counsel for trust and relationship management. It is consistently ranked among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100, NLJ 500, and Law360 400.

Rocío Olea Salgado, a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, was named Co-lead of the Corporate & M&A Commission of the Mexico Chapter of Women in a Legal World (WLW) 2026.

The appointment recognizes her role in advancing women’s leadership within the legal sector. Olea Salgado will drive initiatives to highlight female talent in corporate and mergers and acquisitions practices.

Role and Responsibilities

As Co-lead, Olea Salgado will focus on promoting women’s participation in decision-making spaces within the legal industry. The commission aims to create platforms for collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth.

"It is an honor to lead the Corporate & M&A Commission of the Mexico Chapter Women in a Legal World," Olea Salgado said. "This platform offers an opportunity to showcase female talent in this practice area and to create meaningful spaces for collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth for women in the legal sector."

Professional Background

Olea Salgado is a member of Greenberg Traurig’s Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions, Antitrust Litigation and Competition Regulation, and Technology practices in Mexico City. She advises multinational companies on cross-border M&A transactions involving Mexico, Latin America, and the United States.

Her work includes structuring, negotiating, and executing complex mergers, joint ventures, and strategic investments in both regulated and unregulated sectors.

About Women in a Legal World

WLW is an international organization dedicated to advancing the leadership and participation of women in the legal profession. It connects women across different areas of law to foster collaboration, training, and mentorship opportunities.

About Greenberg Traurig

Greenberg Traurig operates with approximately 3,200 lawyers across 51 locations globally. Its Mexico City office employs more than 70 bilingual attorneys and serves as a key hub for the firm’s Latin America Practice.