David Justmann

David Justmann is an intellectual property attorney at Patterson Thuente IP in Minneapolis. He advises inventors and businesses on patent strategy, prosecution, licensing, and the protection of technical innovations. His practice draws on two decades of engineering work and about two decades in patent law, giving him practical insight into technologies used in medical devices, oil and gas, consumer products, manufacturing, and industrial systems.

Dave earned a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2004 and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1983. Before entering legal practice, he worked in design, manufacturing, and process development. That engineering foundation supports his ability to understand complex products, communicate with technical teams, and translate inventions into patent strategies aligned with commercial goals.

Dave began his legal career in 2005 with a Fortune 100 company, where his work included patent licensing and searching. He later served as Chief IP Counsel for a medical device company and provided patent support across many technologies while working with Smiths Group plc. An inventor himself, he holds 17 issued U.S. patents, experience that gives him a direct understanding of the patent process from the inventor’s perspective.

David Justmann has held leadership roles in the intellectual property community, including serving as president of the Minnesota Chief Patent Counsel Roundtable since 2014. He was a founding member of the U.S. Patent Pro Bono Program and has supported international inventor assistance work through WIPO. His professional recognition includes the Minnesota Lawyer 2021 In-House Counsel Award and the Smiths Group Community Service Award.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Patterson Thuente IP
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of Wisconsin
• President, Minnesota Chief Patent Counsel Roundtable (2014-Present)
• Former Co-Chair, International Inventors Assistance Program Task Force, World Intellectual Property Organization
• Former Executive Committee Member, Association of Corporate Patent Counsel
• Founding Member, U.S. Patent Pro Bono Program

Licensed State

• Minnesota
• Wisconsin

Education

• University of Wisconsin Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Wisconsin–Madison
  Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering

Awards & Badges