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Brian D. Keppler, Ph.D.

Brian joined McKee, Voorhees & Sease in 2016 after obtaining his PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Previously, he received his Master’s degree in Plant Biology and undergraduate degree in Biochemistry, both from Ohio University.

Brian has extensive research experience in the field of plant molecular biology including doctoral research focused on the molecular basis of plant disease resistance.

As a registered Patent Agent, Brian provides support to patent prosecution in the biotechnology and chemical arts.

  • Biotechnology Patents
  • Chemical Patents
  • Academic Research and Technology Transfer
  • Agritech
  • Animal Health
  • Pharma and Nutra
  • Plant Breeding and Plant-Related Technology

Education

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ph.D., Cellular and Molecular Biology

Ohio University, M.S., Plant Biology

Ohio University, B.S., Biochemistry

Publications & Presentations

Keppler BD, Song J, Nyman J, Voigt CA, Bent AF (2018) 3-Aminobenzamide Blocks MAMP-Induced Callose Deposition Independently of Its Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation Inhibiting Activity. Front Plant Sci. 9:1907.

Briggs AG, Adams-Phillips LC, Keppler BD, Zebell SG, Arend KC, Apfelbaum AA, Smith JA, Bent AF (2017) A Transcriptomics Approach Uncovers Novel Roles for Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation in the Basal Defense Response in Arabidopsis thaliana. PLoS One. 12(12):e0190268.

Showalter AM, Keppler BD, Liu X, Lichtenberg J, Welch LR (2016) Bioinformatic Identification and Analysis of Hydroxyproline-Rich Glycoproteins in Populus trichocarpa. BMC Plant Biol 16(1):229.

Song J, Keppler BD, Wise RR, Bent AF (2015) PARP2 Is the Predominant Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase in Arabidopsis DNA Damage and Immune Responses. PLoS Genet 11(5):e1005200.

Keppler BD, Showalter AM (2010) IRX14 and IRX14-LIKE, Two Glycosyl Transferases Involved in Glucuronoxylan Biosynthesis and Drought Tolerance in Arabidopsis. Mol Plant 3(5): 834–841.

Showalter AM, Keppler BD, Lichtenberg J, Gu D, Welch LR (2010) A Bioinformatics Approach to the Identification, Classification, and Analysis of Hydroxyproline-Rich Glycoproteins. Plant Physiol 153(2): 485–513.

Bar & Court Admissions

United States Patent and Trademark Office, 2018

Firefly Petunia: A Glow in the Dark Plant

Plants that glow in the dark, once only in the realm of science fiction, are now set to become a reality for all with the introduction of the Firefly Petunia from Light Bio. The science behind these glowing plants, first detailed in a 2020 publication in Nature Biotechnology, utilizes a bioluminescence pathway from Neonothopanus nambi […]

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Quality and Reputation Fuel Diesel Heater Dominance

Diesel heaters, known for their efficiency and reliability, have long been an integral component in a variety of applications ranging from motor vehicles to campers to boats, and even to static installations like cabins and workshops. These heaters utilize diesel fuel to produce heat, making them an ideal choice in environments where electricity might not […]

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The Patented Processes for Coffee Decaffeination

While many of us are unable to function without the caffeine in our morning cup of coffee, not everyone can tolerate its stimulating effects. Thus, decaffeinated coffee is a blessing for those who crave the flavor but seek to limit their caffeine intake. Ludwig Roselius, a German coffee merchant, is credited with inventing the first […]

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Federal Circuit Affirms Non-Infringement in Cannabis Extraction Patent Dispute

In a recent decision, the Federal Circuit affirmed a non-infringement ruling in a case involving Canopy Growth Corporation and GW Pharmaceuticals, two major players in the cannabis industry. At issue was Canopy’s U.S. Patent No. 10,870,632, which covers a method of extracting cannabinoids from cannabis using carbon dioxide (CO2) in liquefied form under subcritical pressure […]

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Staccato Cherry U.S. Plant Patent Invalidated

On December 30, 2022, a federal judge in the Eastern District of Washington granted a motion for summary judgment seeking to invalidate U.S. Plant Patent No. 20,551, covering a variety of cherry known as Staccato. Staccato is a sweet cherry variety developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The Canadian government, the owner and assignee of […]

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Genetically Modified Purple Tomatoes

Purple tomatoes developed by Norfolk Plant Sciences in the UK may be coming to grocery stores in the not too distant future. Last month, USDA APHIS announced that, from a plant pest risk perspective, the purple tomato may be safely grown and used in breeding in the US. The purple color of the tomato is […]

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CRISPR-based RNA editing – Cas7-11

While CRISPR technology is often thought of in terms of editing DNA, there have also been recent exciting advances in RNA editing. Editing RNA offers certain advantages especially when it comes to therapeutic applications – while changing DNA is permanent and can be inherited, RNA is a transient molecule so any effects from such a […]

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COVID-19 Prioritized Examination Pilot Program Extended

The USPTO recently announced on March 25, 2022 that the COVID-19 Prioritized Examination Pilot Program has been extended for a third time. Requests for prioritized examination filed in qualifying patent applications will now be accepted until midnight on June 30, 2022. The pilot program began accepting requests on July 13, 2020 and was initially limited […]

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Pluots & Apriums & Plumcots, Oh My!

You’ve likely seen them in grocery stores, but what is a pluot anyway? And an aprium? And then how are those different than a plumcot? All of these terms refer to hybrids within the genus Prunus, specifically a plum (Prunus salicina) and an apricot (Prunus armeniaca). Plumcots (which are also called apriplums) are 50/50 hybrids […]

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Proposed rulemaking to implement WIPO Standard ST.26

Patent applications containing nucleic acid or protein sequences will be required to submit a sequence listing in compliance with the new WIPO Standard ST.26 beginning on January 1, 2022. With the implementation of the new standard coming soon, the USPTO has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to revise the rules of practice for submitting […]

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Oatly – wow no cow, yes patents

Oatly, the Swedish oat milk company, has been in the news recently with their initial public offering occurring just last month. Initially priced at $17, shares jumped to $22 on the first day of trading and have been as high as $29 since (which equates to a market cap of over $17 billion!). In the […]

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Deposit of biological material and the differing national laws

For patent applications in the biotechnology area, a biological material is sometimes essential for carrying out the invention. The biological material can be any material capable of reproducing itself or being reproduced in a biological system, including bacteria, fungi, algae, eukaryotic cells, cell lines, hybridomas, plasmids, viruses, and plant seeds. If the biological material cannot […]

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Breakthrough in Protein Structure Prediction

Knowing the three-dimensional structure of a particular protein is critical in determining its function and has implications for everything from treating human disease to herbicide resistant plants. Researchers currently use experimental techniques such as x-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance, or cryo-electron microscopy to establish the structure. However, these techniques are time consuming and can take […]

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New Grape Varieties – Raisin Awareness of Plant Patents

You may have noticed more options for grapes at your local grocery store in recent years. In addition to the typical red, black, and green grapes that have always been available, there are now unusual shapes and unique flavors including those grapes that that taste like cotton candy! But have you thought about how these […]

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