Merchant & Gould is pleased to welcome new associates to its offices around the country.  The new hires span the last few months and include Peter Selness in Minneapolis and Lauren Sherwood in Knoxville.

“More than ever, idea protection is becoming important to companies that are part of an inventive business culture,” said Christopher Leonard, CEO and managing director of Merchant & Gould.  “These associates bring IP experience in growing industries, adding depth to our practice groups and helping our clients protect their brand names, logos, websites and inventions.  They are excellent additions to our growing firm and to our national reach.”

Peter Selness joined Minneapolis’ Litigation practice group.  Already familiar with Merchant & Gould, he was a law clerk for the firm before joining as an associate.  He brings his experience in renewable energy and chemistry, as well as biotechnology.  Peter earned his J.D. from University of Minnesota, and his B.A. in chemistry from Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minn.

Lauren Sherwood joined Knoxville’s Electrical and Software practice group.  Previously a remote patent agent with Turk IP Law, based in Mount Pleasant, S.C., she brings her experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications in a wide range of technology areas, including computer networking, computer hardware and software systems, communications, biotechnology, materials science and medical devices. Lauren earned her J.D. from University of Tennessee, and her B.S. in biochemistry and B.A. in anthropology from University of Florida.