Philip Strassburger began his career at Purdue in 1999 as chief patent counsel, and was later named general counsel. He currently has responsibility for intellectual property prosecution and litigation, and strategic licensing. He has negotiated numerous acquisitions, licences, and patent settlements throughout the world. Before he began his legal career, Strassburger practised as a chemical engineer in The Netherlands. He is admitted to practise in New York and Connecticut as well as the US Patent and Trademark Office.