Heather Chatterton is an Associate Patent Attorney, serving clients from the Minneapolis, Minnesota office of Merchant & Gould. As a patent agent turned attorney, Heather supports inventors and companies in protecting their intellectual property through experienced patent prosecution.
From Experienced Patent Agent to Patent Attorney
Heather began her legal career as a Patent Agent for IBM. During her time with IBM, Heather successfully drafted and prosecuted numerous patent applications on behalf of the company.
This experience led her to a well-recognized law firm in Minneapolis, where she continued to draft and prosecute patents as an agent, specifically for tech-based industries.
Now, as an attorney for Merchant & Gould, Heather works hand-in-hand with her clients to develop patent strategies and defend patents before the USPTO on their behalf.
Supporting Inventors & Companies in Technical Niches
Before her venture into law, Heather worked within a biological lab. She also worked as a mechanic for the United States Navy. This experience, coupled with her work with IBM, enables her to be adaptable and not limited to specific technical niches.
Heather is able to support clients in a wide range of industries, including software, mechanics, medical device technology, and crossover spaces such as biotech.
Dedicated to Building Long-Term Relationships
Heather believes that patent law shouldn’t operate like a storefront. She doesn’t want to simply obtain a patent for each client and send them on their way. Instead, Heather prefers to build long-lasting relationships with her clients, so she can protect their critical IP now and in the future.
From Patent Strategy to Patent Protection
Protecting a client’s IP takes strategy and execution. Heather works one-on-one with her clients, developing forward-looking patent strategies. This ensures her clients are protected now and for circumstances that may happen later.
The process begins with Heather digging into an invention or idea to determine what’s patentable based on the industry landscape. She then guides her clients through their next steps, whether that means returning to the lab for further development or obtaining a patent.
In every case, Heather works to do what’s best for her clients and the future of their IP.
Heather received her Master of Science in Patent Law as well as her JD from the University of Minnesota Law School. As a former member of the United States Navy, Heather received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal as well as the Good Conduct Medal during her service.
In her spare time, Heather enjoys spending time with her daughter, hiking, visiting Minnesota parks, running, cooking, and simply being in the great outdoors with her family.