Christopher Yaen

Christopher is a registered patent attorney with more than 25 years of experience in patent law, advising emerging companies to Fortune 500s on global patent portfolio strategy, enforcement, IP due diligence, and licensing across the life sciences, chemical, agricultural, and medical device industries. Christopher also handles contested proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board of the USPTO.

Prior to Taft, Christopher served as General Counsel of Deka Biosciences, Inc., where he built out the legal, governance, and global IP functions from the ground up as the first in-house attorney. He also led Deka’s R&D function, working hands-on with the company’s scientists on preclinical and clinical development of the company’s platform molecules. This experience gives him bench-level understanding of the science behind the patents he secures and defends. Earlier in his career, he practiced at leading international law firms, representing biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, and agricultural clients and also served as a primary patent examiner at the USPTO examining patents in the biotechnology patent applications.

With a scientific background in neurobiology and biomedical chemistry, Christopher translates complex biological and chemical concepts into strong, enforceable patent protection for clients developing new therapeutic and diagnostic technologies. His experience spanning patent examination, private practice, and in-house leadership, and hands-on R&D gives him a comprehensive view of the patent life cycle, from filing through enforcement and commercial use.