Kristen J. Harrell, Ph.D. is a patent agent in Sterne Kessler’s Biotechnology & Chemical Practice Group. Her technical areas of expertise include all areas of chemistry, particularly organic chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, and polymer chemistry. Kristen has over 20 years of experience in preparing and prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications drawn to novel chemical compounds, polymorphs, pharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical formulations for use to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions including cancer, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, asthma, pain, and depression. Additional aspects of Kristen’s technical experience include multi-step syntheses, medical devices (e.g., drug-eluting stents, bandages), drug delivery devices, polymer-bound compounds, diagnostic methods, nanotechnology, semiconductors, polarizing devices, laminate polymer films, non-woven fabrics, pressure-sensitive adhesives, antimicrobial compounds and formulations, and cosmetic formulations.

While Kristen’s practice focuses on the preparation and prosecution of U.S. and foreign patent applications, she is also has substantial experience in drafting invalidity, noninfringement, freedom-to-operate, and patentability opinions.

Prior to joining Sterne Kessler, Kristen worked at an intellectual property law firm in Chicago.

Kristen received her Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Northwestern University and her B.S. in chemistry with honors at Bradley University. Kristen’s doctoral research centered on organic synthesis, organometallic catalysis, and polymer chemistry.

  • Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, Northwestern University
  • M.S., Organic Chemistry, Northwestern University
  • B.S., Chemistry, Bradley University, magna cum laude

  • United States Patent & Trademark Office

  • American Chemical Society
  • IPLAC (Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago)