Yoko J. Bian, Ph.D.

Yoko Bian, Ph.D., is a science law clerk in the firm’s Litigation department and a member of its Intellectual Property practice. She supports patent and trade secret litigation, technical analysis, patent opinions, and due diligence matters involving advanced technologies such as software platforms, 3D printing, display technologies, telematics, and orthopaedic devices.

Yoko has contributed to multiple stages of patent and trade secret litigation in federal district courts and before the United States International Trade Commission (ITC), supporting technical analysis and litigation strategy across complex technology matters.

Her scientific background informs her work translating complex technical concepts into clear analyses for litigation teams, experts, and tribunals. Prior to joining Goodwin, Yoko obtained her Ph.D. in nanotechnology and materials science. Her doctoral research was an in silico study using quantum mechanics and semi-empirical methods to design proton-conductive, histidine-based biomimetic nanostructures.

Yoko is a member of the Asian American Bar Association of New York, the American Chemical Society, and the American Society for Enology and Viticulture. She serves on the ACS Committee on Finance, is an active member of the ChIPs Network, and is co-president of 500 Women Scientists NYC.

Yoko is a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon (ODE) and Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK).

Yoko is also a member of G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance.

Yoko has published scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, including Int. J. Quantum Chem and J. Am. Chem. Soc. She has presented her research at international conferences, including American Chemical Society meetings, where she has also spoken on litigation finance and intellectual property issues.

She is a contributor of Big Molecule Watch, an award-winning blog that reports real-time analysis and updates on regulatory issues, litigation, legislation, and other news in the developing world of biosimilars. She is also a contributor to Goodwin’s PTAB Trial Tracker.

• Speaker, “Protecting the Formula: The Role of Trade Secrets in Chemical Research,” Webinar hosted with American Chemical Society (ACS), June 18, 2025
• Speaker, “Litigation Financing Demystified: Insights from Funders and Counsel,” Webinar, December 14, 2023
• Speaker, “An Overview of the Biosimilars Market in China,” Webinar, January 1, 2024
• Speaker, “Perspectives on Litigation Financing in Patent Litigation: Empowering Claimants and Enhancing Risk Management,” American Chemical Society Spring Conference 2024, March 17, 2024
• Author, “Commentary: What Law Finance Group Looks for in a Litigant,” Law.com, November 14, 2023
• Speaker, “Role of the Chemist as an Expert Witness in Pharmaceutical Patent Litigation,” American Chemical Society Fall Conference 2023: Harnessing the Power of Data, August 14, 2023