New Patent Clinic Director Brings Real-World Experience and Student-Focused Vision to UIC Law
bae story
UIC Law is proud to welcome Professor Sang-ik Bae as the new director of the Patent Clinic, bringing nearly two decades of experience spanning private practice, global technology companies, and in-house intellectual property counsel.
As director, Bae hopes to make the Patent Clinic as close as possible to a real-world legal practice. Students will gain hands-on experience working directly with clients, preparing patent applications, responding to office actions, and developing professional writing samples they can use when applying for positions after graduation. Additionally, they will learn how to communicate effectively with clients, supervisors, and colleagues; skills Bae believes are essential for success in practice.
For Bae, the clinic is about more than teaching patent law; it’s about helping students build the confidence, technical skills, and practical experience they’ll need to launch successful careers in intellectual property.
“I am very excited to help and work with the students,” Bae said. “I’d like use my experience to prepare them to work at a law firm or in-house counsel.”
Originally from South Korea, Bae came to the United States in 2012 to attend Michigan State University College of Law. Since earning his J.D. in 2015, his career has taken him from boutique IP and international law firms to JPMorgan Chase, where he managed patent portfolios focused on emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Along the way, he developed a passion for mentoring new patent practitioners, publishing a series of educational articles that helped young attorneys prepare for the Patent Bar and better understand patent practice.
That commitment to teaching is what ultimately drew him to UIC Law.
Looking ahead, Bae also plans to strengthen the clinic’s connections with the legal profession by inviting practicing patent attorneys to speak with students about their careers and provide insight into life at law firms and in-house legal departments. He hopes these interactions will expand students’ professional networks while helping them envision their own career paths.