Intellectual property law firm Merchant & Gould is pleased to announce the appointment of three new partners. Heather J. Kliebenstein has been promoted to equity partner, and R. Bradford Brittian and John T. Winemiller have been promoted to income partner.

“These three individuals have distinguished themselves as exemplary attorneys and they provide exceptional value to their clients,” said Brian H. Batzli, CEO and Managing Director of Merchant & Gould. “I congratulate them on behalf of the entire firm.”

In Minneapolis, Heather Kliebenstein practices in the field of intellectual property litigation, including patent, trademark and copyright litigation and enforcement. She has been involved in elements of civil litigation and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board proceedings, including appellate work in several circuits. Heather's patent litigation work has involved technologies such as database software, air filter technology, paper towel dispensers, footwear and other apparel, cable modems, business methods and a number of other areas. She holds a B.S. in environmental sciences from Iowa State University and earned her J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.

In Knoxville, R. Bradford Brittian practices primarily in the area of patent, trademark, unfair competition, copyright and trade secret litigation and dispute resolution. He also counsels clients with regard to various intellectual property related matters, including the acquisition and protection of trademark rights, and assists clients in the registration of trademarks and copyrights. Mr. Brittian received his B.S. from Tennessee Technological University. He holds a J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law.

Also in Knoxville, John T. Winemiller’s practice focuses on intellectual property litigation. John has successfully litigated cases before federal courts in the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Tennessee, chancery and circuit courts throughout Tennessee and Kentucky, and state and federal courts of appeal in Tennessee. Prior to becoming a lawyer, John received a Ph.D. and M.A. in music history and theory from the University of Chicago. He earned his J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law.