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Heather Chatterton is an Associate Patent Attorney, serving clients from the Minneapolis, Minnesota office of Merchant &amp; Gould. As a patent agent turned attorney, Heather supports inventors and companies in protecting their intellectual property through experienced patent prosecution.

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From Experienced Patent Agent to Patent Attorney

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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.&nbsp;

Now, as an attorney for Merchant &amp; Gould, Heather works hand-in-hand with her clients to develop patent strategies and defend patents before the USPTO on their behalf.

Supporting Inventors &amp; 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.&nbsp;

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 Chatterton 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.

University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., May 2021

University of Minnesota Law School, M.S. Patent Law, May 2015

University of Minnesota College of Biological Science, B.S. Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, June 2014

Heather Chatterton, Intellectual Property Attorney

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.  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.



<a href="/people/ariel-o-howe/">Ariel</a>, 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.

Heather S. Chatterton

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