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.
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.
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
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllSeth D. Levy
Partner / Leader, Intellectual Property Practice- Los Angeles
- Office:+1 213.629.6161
- slevy@nixonpeabody.com
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Daniel J. Schwartz
Partner / Deputy Leader, Intellectual Property Practice- Chicago
- Office:+1 312.977.4432
- djschwartz@nixonpeabody.com
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Erica J. Van Loon
Partner / Team Leader, Copyright, Trademark, and Media Litigation- Los Angeles
- Office:+1 213.629.6031
- evanloon@nixonpeabody.com
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Janet M. Garetto
Partner / Co-Lead, Food, Beverage, & Agribusiness IP Team- Chicago
- Office:+1 312.425.8514
- jgaretto@nixonpeabody.com
-