Yue Xiong studied Industrial Engineering and Management at TU Ilmenau and now works as a patent attorney in Beijing. She returned to her alma mater at PATINFO 2025. In this interview, she explains how she found her calling through two elective courses on patent law in Ilmenau - and what fascinates her about working with inventions to this day.
Hello Yue, you now work in a patent law firm in Beijing. How did you first come into contact with the patent system?
During my master's degree in Industrial Engineering and Management at TU Ilmenau, I had no idea about patent law. I then attended courses on the subject for two semesters - with Dr. Christoph Hoock and Prof. Frank Fechner. That was my first encounter with the patent system. I found it exciting, so I continued my training in China after graduating and started working in a law firm straight away.
What excited you so much about these courses back then?
I wanted to understand why patents are so important and what is behind a patent. For example, I asked myself why so many patents are registered in my home country of China - the topic was very exciting for me! The patent system combines technology, law and internationality. That fitted my profile perfectly.
What does your day-to-day work as a patent attorney look like?
My work is very varied. I support inventors and companies in legally protecting their ideas - from writing patent applications to communicating with the Chinese Patent Office. I am also often in contact with international law firms. Another important part is the exchange at international conferences - like here at PATINFO, or most recently in the USA at INTA, the largest trademark law conference.
You attend conferences all over the world. What do you like about PATINFO?
PATINFO is something very special for me - and not just because it takes place at my former university. It is very well organized and offers an up-to-date overview of developments in the field of intellectual property, especially the role of AI in the patent world. There are many different companies from Germany and Europe on site - including service providers with exciting solutions. For me as a patent attorney, this is a great opportunity to make contacts. If European companies want to apply for patents in China, such meetings can be the first step towards cooperation. I think it's very valuable that this platform exists at TU Ilmenau.
You came back to your alma mater for PATINFO. How does that feel?
It's a nice feeling to be back on campus - almost ten years later. I went for a walk, recognized the buildings, memories came flooding back. The TU Ilmenau was a very formative time for me. That's why I'm delighted to be at a conference that is taking place right here.