Accomplished in Patent Law and IP Protection
Christian Hansen is a partner in Merchant & Gould's Minneapolis office whose practice centers on helping innovators protect and leverage their intellectual property. His primary focus is patent preparation and prosecution, working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups and individual inventors.
Christian has always been driven by curiosity about technology, innovation, and the people behind new ideas. One of the most rewarding aspects of his practice is the opportunity to learn directly from scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs developing cutting-edge technologies. He regularly works with inventors across a broad range of industries, including artificial intelligence, software and digital platforms, aerospace systems, advanced manufacturing, transportation, agricultural equipment, consumer products, and medical devices.
Drafting patent applications is at the core of Christian's practice. He enjoys translating highly technical concepts into clear, strategically crafted patent applications that help clients build valuable and defensible intellectual property portfolios. Whether discussing a novel AI implementation, an enhanced online customer experience, a complex off-road vehicle transmission, an advanced manufacturing process, or an aircraft fuel control system, Christian relishes the opportunity to understand how new technologies work and help clients protect the innovations that drive their businesses forward.
Christian maintains an active international patent practice. He routinely develops and coordinates patent protection strategies across major jurisdictions worldwide, working closely with trusted foreign associates to secure intellectual property rights throughout Europe, Asia, North America, and other key markets. He regularly manages international patent portfolios for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to emerging businesses and individual inventors.
In addition to helping U.S.-based clients obtain protection abroad, Christian frequently serves as local U.S. counsel for international law firms and foreign clients seeking patent protection in the United States. His experience on both sides of the international patent system allows him to provide practical guidance on navigating cross-border intellectual property issues and building cohesive global patent strategies.
Dedicated to Providing Trusted Counsel & Customized Strategy
Christian advises clients on patent preparation and prosecution, freedom-to-operate analyses, product clearance reviews, non-infringement opinions, licensing matters, and broader intellectual property strategy. He is committed to serving both large multinational organizations and individual inventors, tailoring his advice to align intellectual property protection with each client's business objectives.
Known for his practical and collaborative approach, Christian works closely with clients to understand their technologies, competitive landscapes, and long-term goals. By combining technical insight with strategic legal guidance, he helps clients make informed decisions about protecting and maximizing the value of their innovations.
From US Navy Aviator to Attorney
Originally from Minnesota, Christian has spent much of his life serving and working with people from diverse backgrounds. Before entering the legal profession, he served as an Aviator and Chief Flight Instructor in the United States Navy. During his military service, he commanded aircraft, trained pilots, served as a night vision goggle instructor, and flew both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft in support of military operations and training exercises.
His service took him around the world, including assignments aboard naval vessels throughout the Pacific, with extended stays in Guam, Japan, and Sicily, Italy. Those experiences sparked a lifelong appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. Having visited more than 40 countries, he remains eager to explore new cultures, perspectives, and places around the world.
Most notably, during his assignment in Guam, Christian participated in six separate life-saving helicopter rescue missions, including the rescue of a fellow service member. He also supported numerous medical evacuation and search-and-rescue operations throughout the region.