Milanka (Mila) Trang
San Diego
Summary
Resourceful and experienced patent agent with six years in patent law and three years of hands-on patent prosecution experience. Brings strong problem-solving, communication, and technical drafting skills, with a proven ability to manage applications from invention disclosure through allowance. Experienced working closely with inventors and leadership teams in fast-paced start-up environments and seeking work that is both exciting and challenging.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Student Clerk
USD Law Legal Clinics - Federal Tax Practice
05.2025 - 09.2025
- Independently managed caseload of clients facing federal tax disputes, serving as their primary point of contact throughout representation.
- Prepared and submitted Offer in Compromise applications to the IRS, client communications, and memoranda outlining recommended approaches to resolving tax issues.
- Collaborated with the clinic’s supervising attorney on case theory, negotiation strategy, and procedural requirements.
Patent Agent
Esplin & Associates, PC
04.2022 - 05.2025
- Drafted and prosecuted patent applications in a broad range of subjection matter in mechanical devices and software, including online collaboration environments, augmented reality and virtual reality systems, information processing systems using artificial intelligence and distributed ledger technology.
- Drafted office action responses to overcome examiner rejections and obtain patent allowances.
- Provide strategic IP counsel to clients on patent filing strategies, international patent protection, and portfolio management.
Technical Specialist
Esplin & Associates, PC
03.2021 - 04.2022
- Collaborated with inventors to translate technical concepts and innovations into patent applications.
- Assisted in drafting patent applications including claims drafting.
- Helped track and manage patent portfolios, including monitoring deadlines and preparing documents.
Intellectual Property Intern
Esplin & Associates, PC
01.2019 - 03.2021
- Performed patentability searches for new invention disclosures.
- Assisted in drafting patent applications and responses to patent rejections.
- Managed communications between clients and attorneys.
- Trained new interns and assisted in developing an internship curriculum.
Intellectual Property Intern
Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, LLP
09.2018 - 01.2019
- Collected and processed incoming correspondence from the United State Patent and Trademark Office.
- Compiled correspondence documents and generated reports for clients.
- Assisted in attorney docket and schedule management.
- Scheduled meetings for attorneys with USPTO Examiners.
Education
Juris Doctor (J.D.) -
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA12.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Minor in Computer Science Engineering
University of California, San Diego
San Diego, CA03.2021
Skills
- Registered Patent Agent, US Patent and Trademark Office
Registration No 80,718
- California Bar Exam Candidate
Scheduled to sit for the February 2026 exam
Certification
- IP Management Software: Lecorpio, FoundationIP, IPFolio.
- MS Suite: Office, Word, Excel, Powerpoint.
Timeline
Student Clerk
USD Law Legal Clinics - Federal Tax Practice
05.2025 - 09.2025
Patent Agent
Esplin & Associates, PC
04.2022 - 05.2025
Technical Specialist
Esplin & Associates, PC
03.2021 - 04.2022
Intellectual Property Intern
Esplin & Associates, PC
01.2019 - 03.2021
Intellectual Property Intern
Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, LLP
09.2018 - 01.2019
Juris Doctor (J.D.) -
University of San Diego
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Minor in Computer Science Engineering
University of California, San Diego