Merchant & Gould is pleased to announce that Daidre Burgess has joined the firm’s Minneapolis office as a Partner, with a practice focusing on patent law and intellectual property in the chemical, life sciences, biotech and mechanical technology sectors. Daidre brings more than 20 years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution, IP portfolio management and strategic guidance.
After starting her career as an engineer at 3M, Daidre earned her law degree from William Mitchell College of Law (now Mitchell Hamline) in 2006. She previously practiced at Patterson Thuente for 19 years, which later merged with Husch Blackwell, before returning to a full-service IP firm environment.
“Daidre’s deep technical background and thoughtful, client-centered approach make her a strong addition to our team,” said Heather Kliebenstein, Managing Partner. “Her ability to build longstanding client relationships and develop IP strategies that align with broader business objectives reflects the strengths Merchant brings to clients every day.”
Daidre also has experience with product clearances/freedom-to-operate searches, non-infringement and invalidity analyses, IP licensing, IP due diligence investigations for investment and strategic opportunities, and overall portfolio management. As a co-inventor on two issued U.S. patents, she provides a valuable perspective that enhances her ability to help clients protect and maximize the value of their innovations.