Christian J. Hansen

Partner
Minneapolis
150 South Fifth Street, Suite 2200
Minneapolis, MN 55402
D: 612.336.4795
Contact My Assistant
Melissa Ziegler
D: 612.336.4632

Christian Hansen is a Partner and experienced IP attorney within Merchant & Gould’s Minneapolis, MN office. Christian is dedicated to developing the best possible patent protection and enforcement strategies for both domestic and international clients. 

Accomplished in Patent Law and IP Protection

Christian has been a patent law and intellectual property attorney for over 10 years. Throughout his vast experience, he has helped hundreds of clients all over the globe protect their technological innovations and ideas in niches such as:

  • Manufacturing technology
  • Consumer products
  • Aerospace technology
  • Material science applications
  • Computer software and mobile device applications
  • Medical devices
  • Metallurgy production
  • Electric vehicles
  • Agricultural devices

Christian engages in a wide range of actions to protect the IP of his clients, including drafting and preparing patent applications, following up with the USPTO, and negotiating licensing agreements to monetize patent applications. 

He also provides client counsel, including freedom-to-operate, clearance and non-infringement opinions.

Whether he’s supporting a large corporation or a smaller startup, Christian is devoted to providing his clients with the best course of action available. He meets extensively with inventors to learn about their technologies and uses his extensive business knowledge to distill complex law concepts into understandable language for his clients.

Dedicated to Providing Trusted Counsel & Customized Strategy

Christian focuses on providing long-term strategy and protection for his clients. When learning about their IP and business goals, Christian coordinates his efforts to create a comprehensive roadmap on their behalf.

He walks his clients through each step and helps them anticipate potential actions from the USPTO. Planning for the future and being pragmatic allows him to counsel clients on the best possible protection strategy. 

Christian is guided by his desire to see others succeed. He spends considerable time meeting with clients to educate them about how patent law applies to their situation, how to negotiate, and whether claims must be narrowed.

From US Navy Aviator to Attorney

Throughout his life, Christian has been dedicated to serving others. Before becoming an attorney, he served as an Aviator and Chief Flight Instructor in the US Navy. During his ten years of service, Christian commanded aircraft, trained other pilots, and flew fixed-wing aircraft for mission support. 

Most notably, he saved the lives of six individuals on six different occasions on the Island of Guam, including a fellow service member. 

Christian joined the US Navy after earning his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. However, he always intended to pursue the law. After his time in the service, he earned his JD from the William Mitchell College of Law, magna cum laude.

In his spare time, Christian loves to camp, hike and spend time with his family. He’s also a self-taught craftsman and does many repair and renovation projects with his wife around their home, including the refinishing of a grand piano and installing new wood floors.

Education

William Mitchell College of Law
J.D., magna cum laude

University of Minnesota
B.S., Mechanical Engineering

Admissions

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Minnesota Supreme Court
U.S. District Court District of Minnesota
U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit

Professional Affiliations

American Intellectual Property Law Association
Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association
American Bar Association
Minnesota State Bar Association
Hon. Jimmie V. Reyna IP Inn of Courts.

Representative Experience

Handles patent preparation and prosecution of clients in the aerospace, agricultural, nonmedical device, mechanical, oil and gas, and robotics industries. Routinely conducts prior art reviews, drafts freedom to operate and product clearance opinions and prepares license agreements.

Assists companies, both large and small, as they navigate the often crowded IP landscape in order to establish a position that aligns with their business objectives. Has worked with several startup companies, whose success in raising capital for future growth was supported by their strong IP portfolios.

Drafted, filed and successfully prosecuted well over 350 utility and design patents on a wide variety of technologies. He routinely assists his clients in obtaining international IP protection in countries such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, countries within the European patent convention, India, Japan, Mexico, Korea, Russia, and Singapore, as well as within South America.