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Home - Merchant & Gould P.C.

Accomplished in Patent Law and IP Protection

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Christian Hansen is a partner in Merchant &amp; 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.

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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 &amp; 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.

William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., 

University of Minnesota, B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Christian Hansen, Intellectual Property Attorney

Automotive & Powersports

Consumer Products

Medical Devices

Software & Information Technology

Telecommunications

Minneapolis

Merchant &amp; Gould is pleased to have welcomed one partner and two associates to its Minneapolis team: Christian J. Hansen, partner; Heather S. Chatterton, associate; and Ariel O. Howe, associate.



“These three attorneys bring IP experience in growing industries for Minnesota, adding depth to our practice groups and helping local and global innovators protect their brands and technologies. They are excellent additions to our firm and leaders in the IP community,” said Christopher J. Leonard, Managing Director and CEO of Merchant &amp; Gould.



<a href="/people/christian-j-hansen/">Christian</a>, partner and experienced IP attorney, provides enforcement strategies and patent protection for both domestic and international clients. For more than 10 years, he has helped a range of large corporations and small startups with their technological innovations and ideas in some of the following industries: manufacturing, consumer products, aerospace, computer software, medical devices, electrical vehicles, agriculture, and metallurgy. Christian focuses on 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. &nbsp;Christian received his B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota and his J.D. magna cum laude from the William Mitchell College of Law.



<a href="/people/heather-s-chatterton/">Heather</a>, associate, supports inventors and companies through patent prosecution. She began her career as a patent agent; and, now, as an attorney applying that experience, develops patent strategies and defending patents before the USPTO. Heather works with clients in a wide range of industries, including software, mechanics, medical device, and biotech. She received three degrees from the University of Minnesota, including a B.S. in genetics, cell biology, and development; an M.S. in patent law; and a J.D. from the Law School.



Ariel, associate, helps companies protect their intellectual property through strategy and litigation. Her practice includes utility and design patents, trademark, trade secret, and copyright litigation, as well as pre-litigation support. Ariel has enforced and defended many industries, including medical device, pharmaceutical, HVAC, and farming equipment. She earned her B.S. in chemistry from Minnesota State University and her J.D. magna cum laude from the William Mitchell College of Law.

Merchant & Gould Welcomes One Partner and Two Associates in Minneapolis Office

Mechanical

Electrical & Software

Design Patent & Trade Dress

Licensing

Melissa Ziegler

Partner

<ul>
<li>Developed and managed international patent protection strategies across North America, Europe, and Asia for multinational clients.</li>
<li>Prepared and prosecuted patent portfolios covering artificial intelligence, software platforms, advanced manufacturing systems, transportation technologies, medical devices, and consumer products.</li>
<li>Conducted freedom-to-operate analyses and product clearance reviews supporting domestic and international product launches.</li>
<li>Served as U.S. patent counsel for foreign law firms and international clients seeking patent protection in the United States.</li>
<li>Advised startups, growth-stage companies, Fortune 500 companies, and individual inventors on patent portfolio development and intellectual property strategy.</li>
<li>Negotiated and advised on patent licensing and related intellectual property matters.</li>
</ul>

Christian J. Hansen

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.

Christian J. Hansen

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