Merchant & Gould promoted three attorneys in three of its offices around the country – a notable way to launch the New Year.  Effective Jan. 1, 2020, the promotions include Loretta L. Freeman in Atlanta; Benjamin H. Graf in New York; and Ian G. McFarland in Knoxville, Tenn.

“We are excited to expand our leadership and embrace Merchant & Gould’s growth in 2020.  These promotions bring greater depth to our practice groups in inventive industries across the country, protecting innovation and technology around the world,” said Christopher J. Leonard, Merchant & Gould’s Managing Director, CEO, and Chairman of the Board.

Loretta L. Freeman, promoted to partner in the Atlanta office, focuses on trademark clearance, registration, and enforcement, patent prosecution and preparation of opinions on patentability and validity. Her breadth and depth of intellectual property experience is extensive in domestic and foreign patent prosecution in the mechanical arts. Freeman enjoys IP Due Diligence work and protecting clients from the pitfalls of intellectual property law.  She specializes in developing sound IP portfolio management strategies, leveraging the value and protection of trademarks and patents.  

Benjamin H. Graf, promoted to partner in the New York office, focuses on general intellectual property law with an emphasis on patent procurement, licensing, and opinion work.  He manages extensive international patent portfolios and works with clients ranging from multinational corporations to start-ups and individual inventors, regularly guiding technology start-ups in balancing the cost and importance of IP protection while growing the company.  Graf’s clients innovate across a broad spectrum of technologies and industries, including telecommunications, semiconductors, electronics, hydraulics systems, marine systems, robotics, medical devices, financial services, consumer products, and numerous types of software applications. 

Ian G. McFarland, promoted to partner in the Knoxville, Tenn., office, focuses on enforcement and litigation encompassing patent, copyright, trademark, false advertising, unfair competition and trade secret matters.  He represents clients across a wide array of industries and technology fields in federal courts across the country and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He has served on several trial teams and has extensive experience working with foreign counsel and coordinating global brand enforcement campaigns. McFarland enjoys developing close relationships with his clients, which helps him to identify and obtain solutions that effectively and efficiently further their objectives.