Steven Helmer
About Steven Helmer
Steven Helmer serves as the Chief Patent Counsel at DURECT Corporation, a position he has held since 2010. He holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University, an MS in Biotechnology from The Johns Hopkins University, and a JD from the University of Minnesota Law School.
Current Role at DURECT Corporation
Steven Helmer serves as the Chief Patent Counsel at DURECT Corporation, a position he has held since 2010. In this role, he oversees the company's patent strategy and intellectual property matters. His responsibilities include managing patent portfolios, ensuring compliance with patent laws, and providing legal guidance on patent-related issues. His tenure at DURECT has spanned 14 years, during which he has contributed to the company's innovation and development in the biotechnology sector.
Education and Expertise
Steven Helmer holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University, where he studied from 1987 to 1991. He furthered his education by obtaining a Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School, completing his studies from 1991 to 1994. Additionally, he earned a Master of Science in Biotechnology from The Johns Hopkins University, studying from 1998 to 2001. His educational background provides a strong foundation in both engineering and law, particularly in the field of biotechnology.
Previous Experience at Nektar Therapeutics
Before joining DURECT Corporation, Steven Helmer worked as Patent Counsel at Nektar Therapeutics from 2004 to 2009. In this role, he was responsible for managing patent applications and providing legal support for the company's research and development initiatives. His experience at Nektar Therapeutics contributed to his expertise in patent law within the biotechnology industry.
Experience at Finnegan Henderson
Steven Helmer began his legal career as an Associate at Finnegan Henderson from 2001 to 2003. During his time at the firm, he gained valuable experience in intellectual property law, focusing on patent litigation and prosecution. This role helped him develop a comprehensive understanding of patent law, which he has applied throughout his career.