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    1. Home
    2. People
    3. Daniel J. Burnham

      People
    1. Home
    2. People
    3. Daniel J. Burnham

      People

    Daniel J. Burnham

    Partner


    • Chicago
    • Office+1 312.425.8513
    • dburnham@nixonpeabody.com
    • Download vCard
    • LinkedIn Profile

    Introduction

    Dan Burnham has comprehensive patent experience that encompasses a diverse range of sophisticated technologies and legal issues. He represents clients in federal courts and at the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

    Practice Areas

    Intellectual PropertyPatent Portfolio ManagementPatent LitigationTrademark Portfolio ManagementCopyright, Trademark & Media Litigation

    /My focus

    I utilize my engineering experience to work closely with clients in the product development process, helping to avoid competitive patents and ensure commercial exploitation of new products through effective intellectual property protection.

    I have significant experience in developing and managing patent and trademark portfolios for small, emerging-growth companies as well as for large, established corporations. I have been involved in numerous litigation matters and ADR proceedings in the United States, Europe and China. Negotiating and drafting license agreements and other technology-related contracts is another practice area that I am frequently called upon to handle.

    By combining my practical, hands-on industry experience with knowledge of key aspects of intellectual property law, I provide my domestic and international clients with strategic intellectual property counseling that helps them achieve their business objectives.

    Representative areas of technical knowledge:

    • Biosensing technology
    • Medical devices
    • Gaming software and processes
    • MEMS devices
    • Digital-dentistry software and processes
    • Coin and currency machines
    • Laser systems and semiconductor laser diodes
    • Casino gaming machines
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Acoustic transducers
    • Surface treatment technology
    • Consumer products and packaging
    • Pipe repair technology
    • Hearing aids
    • Dental implant systems
    • Biorefinery technology

    /Looking ahead

    A valuable patent portfolio does not necessarily require a large volume of patents; rather, a handful of strategically focused patents in combination with pending continuation applications will keep competitors off your turf.

    /In the news

    • Law360

      Pennsylvania biotech company can’t escape $4M trade secrets award

      This article covers a Delaware vice chancellor’s decision in a long-running trade secrets dispute between client UPM-Kymmene Corp. and Renmatix Inc., rejecting Renmatix’s argument that an undisclosed connection between the arbitrator and the Finnish company's counsel at another law firm was enough to show evident partiality. Chicago Intellectual Property partner Dan Burnham is mentioned in the coverage for representing UPM.

      Feb 25, 2025

    /Admitted to practice

    U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
    U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
    U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
    U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
    Illinois
    Missouri

    /Education

    Saint Louis University, J.D., cum laude
    University of Illinois, B.S.M.E, with honors

    /Professional activities

    • American Bar Association (Intellectual Property Section)
    • American Intellectual Property Law Association
    • Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago
    • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
    • Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago

    /Recognition

    • Selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 in the field of Litigation—Intellectual Property and Patent Law; listed in Best Lawyers since 2019
    • IAM Patent 1000—Ranked as a leading Illinois lawyer for litigation and patent prosecution (2017–2024)
    • Managing Intellectual Property—Recognized as an “IP Star” (2018–2024)

    Insights And Happenings

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    • Press Release

      Nixon Peabody and its IP attorneys recognized as industry leaders by IAM Patent 1000

      July 2, 2024
    • Press Release

      Nixon Peabody advises TDK in acquisition of machine-learning company for smart edge devices

      Feb 6, 2023
    • Press Release

      Nixon Peabody and its IP attorneys recognized as industry leaders by IAM Patent 1000

      July 26, 2022
    View All

    Professionals in the Practice Area

    View All
    • Seth D. Levy

      Partner / Leader, Intellectual Property Practice
      • Los Angeles
      • Office:+1 213.629.6161
      • slevy@nixonpeabody.com
      Seth D. Levy
    • Daniel J. Schwartz

      Partner / Deputy Leader, Intellectual Property Practice
      • Chicago
      • Office:+1 312.977.4432
      • djschwartz@nixonpeabody.com
      Daniel J. Schwartz
    • Erica J. Van Loon

      Partner / Team Leader, Copyright, Trademark, & Media Litigation
      • Los Angeles
      • Office:+1 213.629.6031
      • evanloon@nixonpeabody.com
      Erica J. Van Loon
    • Janet M. Garetto

      Partner / Co-Lead, Food, Beverage, & Agribusiness IP Team
      • Chicago
      • Office:+1 312.425.8514
      • jgaretto@nixonpeabody.com
      Janet M. Garetto
    • Sasha G. Rao

      Partner
      • San Francisco
      • Office:+1 415.984.8345
      • srao@nixonpeabody.com
      Sasha G. Rao
    View All

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