Christopher M. Durkee

Chris Durkee focuses his practice on patent prosecution, with extensive experience in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications and drafting opinions on patentability, validity and infringement issues. He also counsels clients with domestic and international patent portfolio management and strategies.

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Prior to entering the legal profession, Chris was an officer in the United States Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Program. After completing a rigorous graduate-level training program, he served with distinction aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt. He also earned the distinguished Navy Nuclear Engineer qualification, successfully completing an intensive examination process, demonstrating a detailed understanding of nuclear reactor theory, electrical and mechanical systems, chemistry and radiological controls, and reactor plant operations. Chris also served as a Fleet Naval Exercise Coordinator on the staff of the Commander in Chief, United States Naval Forces, Europe in London, England. Throughout his naval career, Chris received several individual and organizational decorations for outstanding service.

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Chris represents one of the world’s largest chemical producers in managing its vast patent portfolio, including preparing and prosecuting both domestic and international patent applications and advising on patent acquisition strategies. Additionally, Chris has represented a leading manufacturer of high-performance protective fabrics for emergency responders, industrial workers and military personnel in managing its extensive worldwide patent portfolio, including preparing and prosecuting U.S. and international patent applications and advising on patent acquisition, freedom-to-operate and litigation strategies.

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In highlighting Chris’s experience, he assisted in representation of a Norwegian pharmaceutical company in patent infringement litigation initiated by a patent owner, a Minnesota corporation, in the District of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The 14 patents involved in the litigation related to, among other things, beta glucan compositions for immunotherapy. The District Court granted summary judgment of noninfringement as to 12 of the 14 patents, and the case subsequently settled. Biopolymer Eng'g, Inc. v. Immunocorp, No. 05-536 (D. Minn. filed Mar. 14, 2005). Additionally, he represented a university in connection with the provision of patent prosecution and portfolio management services in the areas of psychiatry, physiology, pulmonary medicine, biology and chemistry, among others. Chris also represented the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MOD), which is responsible for the military and homeland security functions of the United Kingdom, and prosecuted patent applications for aerospace, defense, biotechnology and chemical technologies. Additionally, Chris performs patent work for an environmentally friendly cleaning solutions company, a telecommunications engineering company that designs and modifies telecommunications towers, a nutritional services company focusing on natural sweetener compositions, and a biopharmaceutical company that is developing biologics and treatments for patients with respiratory and inflammatory diseases.