Former Samsung Head of Appeals Christopher Burrell Returns to Faegre Drinker as Partner in Washington, D.C.

Faegre Drinker announced today that Christopher J. Burrell has rejoined the firm as a partner in the intellectual property practice in Washington, D.C. Burrell returns to the firm after spending nearly seven years with Samsung Electronics America in the company’s Washington, D.C. IP Center office, where he most recently served as senior director & senior counsel, head of appeals. He is the 24th partner or counsel addition to Faegre Drinker in 2020.

For more than 15 years, Burrell has formulated and executed custom strategies and solutions for effectively and efficiently navigating all levels of IP and business disputes – from negotiation stages to any necessary U.S. litigation, foreign litigation, appeals (including to the Supreme Court) and arbitration.

In addition to his appeal work at Samsung, Burrell managed district court litigations and PTAB proceedings, and was involved in the full range of the company’s IP disputes.

“We are excited to welcome Chris back to Faegre Drinker,” Co-Chairs Tom Froehle and Andrew Kassner said in a joint statement. Burrell was formerly with Faegre Baker Daniels from 2007-2013, where he served as a partner in the firm’s Minneapolis office.

“Chris is a skilled IP litigator who has a clear understanding of what clients expect from their attorneys,” Froehle and Kassner added. “Having helped direct legal operations at one of the world’s leading technology companies, he brings an eye towards efficiency, collaboration and results. His client-centric approach perfectly aligns with our firm’s commitment to client service.”

Across his career, Burrell also has extensive experience in licensing, negotiation, alternative dispute resolution, transactions and patent prosecution strategies. He is a subject matter authority in patent law, trade secrets, FRAND/SSOs, antitrust law and contracts, and has worked on patent suits involving an array of technologies, including cellular/wireless, semiconductors, software, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

“Chris’ sophisticated experience at Samsung will benefit our clients – particularly those in the technology sector – who face ongoing challenges associated with protecting their products, businesses and valuable IP,” said James R. Steffen, chair of the firm’s intellectual property practice. “Chris understands what it takes to help our clients innovate, thrive and solve their most pressing challenges. We are thrilled to welcome him back to the firm.”

“With the firm’s combination earlier this year, Faegre Drinker’s intellectual property practice strength and depth is impressive. That, together with my appreciation for the firm’s culture, values and client-focus made it a natural place for me to return,” said Burrell. “I look forward to applying my skills and corporate perspective to serve the needs of the firm’s diverse client base and provide top-notch, no nonsense service to new clients.”

Before entering private practice, Burrell served as a law clerk to the Honorable Haldane Robert Mayer in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. He earned his bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Minnesota and his juris doctor from Yale Law School.

With a team approaching 200 professionals, Faegre Drinker’s intellectual property group helps clients identify, protect and leverage the value of assets on a global scale. Guided by in-depth knowledge of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and its counterparts, the firm navigates the prosecution of patents, trademarks and copyrights across of a wide range of industries and scientific disciplines.

Faegre Drinker launched global operations, effective Feb. 1 of this year, the result of the combination of Faegre Baker Daniels, an international law firm with deep roots in the Midwest, and Drinker Biddle & Reath, a full-service national law firm with storied mid-Atlantic origins. The merger brought together more than 1,300 attorneys, consultants and professionals in 21 locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai.

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