Christopher Curfman, Ph.D.
Principal
404-645-7717
ccurfman@m2IPlaw.com
Dr. Curfman’s extensive scientific background in chemistry and pharmaceuticals, as a researcher, scientific advisor and patent agent adds considerable depth to his ability to counsel start-ups, large and small corporations, universities and research institutions on all aspects of patent prosecution in pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnology-related technologies.
For clients in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Curfman advised on and prosecuted patents for antiviral, antimicrobial, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and anticancer therapeutics, vaccines, synthesis and processes, delivery vehicles, transdermals and formulations, controlled release and microencapsulation, molecular modeling and rational drug design. In the chemical arts, Dr. Curfman has advised on and prosecuted for polymers, plastics, composites, glass and ceramics, nanotechnology, catalysts, green chemistry, colloidal emulsions and surface chemistry, combinatorial chemistry, nutritional and food chemistry, diagnostics and sensors, chemical processes and reactor design and agrochemicals including pesticides and herbicides.
Dr. Curfman’s technical experience also extends to biotechnology and medical technology including protecting innovations in bioremediation, molecular and cellular biological screening assays, peptide/protein therapy and diagnostics, immunoassays and nucleic acid-based diagnostics, research tools, fermentation, implants, prostheses and surgical methods.
Dr. Curfman’s clients benefit from his consultative approach, which focuses on educating researchers on various aspects of patent law. He has taught several patent law classes and presented numerous seminars. He keeps clients up to date with real time alerts on important laws, legislation and holdings. Additionally, Dr. Curfman has published several research articles and received awards for his research and teaching achievements. Dr. Curfman was named a Georgia Super Lawyers “Rising Star” by Atlanta Magazine (2006).
Memberships and Affiliations
Member, American Chemical Society, Organic Division, Chemistry and Law Division
Member, American Bar Association
Member, American Intellectual Property Law Association
Publications and Presentations
"Mastering the Basics in Challenging Times" presented at the Hershey Center for Applied Research, Hershey PA, September 2009
"Intellectual Property Strategies for a Successful University / Start-Up Relationship" presented at the IP Investors Forum, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, February 2008.
Christopher L. Curfman, Kacee Kirkland, and, Alfred H. Merrill, Jr., "Recent Anticancer Agents Targeting Sphingolipid Pathways," Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents, 2006, 16, 8, 1129-1147.
Christopher L. Curfman, "Dangerous Discussions: Pitfalls of Scientific Collaborations for Patents" presented at the American Chemical Society Meeting, San Diego, March 15, 2005.
Yue-Ling Wong, Christopher L. Curfman, Gustavo F. Doncel, M. Patricia Hubieki, Travis C. Dudding, Prashant S. Savle, and Richard D. Gandour, "A Structure–Activity Study of the Spermicidal and anti-HIV Properties of Hydroxylated Cationic Surfactants," Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, 2002, 10, 11, 3369-3693.
Yue-Ling Wong, Christopher L. Curfman, Gustavo F. Doncel, M. Patricia Hubieki, Travis C. Dudding, Prashant S. Savle, and Richard D. Gandour, "A Spermicidal, anti-HIV, and micellar properties of di- and trihydroxylated cationic surfactants," Tetrahedron 2002, 58, 45-54.
Chris Curfman and Dennis Liotta, "Synthesis of Sphingosine and Sphingoid Bases," in Methods in Enzymology, 311, A.H. Merrill and Y.A. Hannun eds., Academic Press, San Diego, California, 1999.
Prior Experience
Attorney, Pharmaceutical Team Leader, Ballard Spahr, LLP
Attorney, Needle & Rosenberg
Laboratory Technician, U.S. Naval Environmental Laboratory, Norfolk Naval Base
Services
Patent prosecution
Portfolio development and management
Opinions
Freedom to operate analysis
Due diligence
Searching
Counseling
Technologies
Pharmaceuticals
Chemistry
Biotechnology
Medical Technology
Admissions
Georgia
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Education
B.S., B.A. Virginia Tech
Biology and Chemistry
M.S. Virginia Tech
Chemistry
Ph.D. Emory University
Chemistry
J.D. Georgia State University