Shan Liao

Shan Liao is a patent attorney in Lee & Hayes’ Seattle office who advises clients in biotechnology, life sciences, software, and electrical engineering on protecting and advancing their innovations. Her practice spans U.S. and international patent prosecution, patent portfolio development and management, freedom-to-operate and due diligence analyses, and strategic intellectual property counseling. 

With nearly a decade of combined in-house and law firm experience, Shan has worked closely with scientists, engineers, and business teams to align intellectual property strategies with research and commercial objectives. Before joining Lee & Hayes, Shan served as in-house patent counsel for a publicly traded biotechnology company, where she guided global patent strategies for antibody therapeutics and complement biology programs. She has also counseled clients ranging from emerging ventures to global health organizations, and effectively built and managed the patent portfolio of an audio technology start-up. 

Drawing on her interdisciplinary background in both biology and electrical engineering, Shan is especially experienced in technologies at the intersection of life sciences and engineering. Her work frequently involves molecular biology, antibody and immuno-oncology therapies, biomedical devices, and health tech innovations.

Shan is active in community and professional services. She currently serves as Vice President of the Seattle Chinese Bar Association. Shan is fluent in Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese). Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her young family and three cats.