Korean law firm Bae, Kim & Lee (BKL) has welcomed Ki Joong Kang, a former vice president at Samsung Electronics IP Center, as a partner in its intellectual property practice.

During his stint with the conglomerate’s IP centre, Kang handled its cross-border patent litigation. Previously, he was a judge of the Seoul Central District Court, Patent Court, as well as several district and high courts across the country. He was also the Chief Research Judge and presiding judge of the Supreme Court.

Outside the court, Kang held key IP-related positions, including co-managing partner of AIP Patent & Law Firm. 

Kang’s appointment comes after BKL hired Seong Soo Kim, another former judge, as a partner in its litigation practice earlier this month.