Careers

At M&G, we dedicate ourselves to finding the best solutions to our clients’ challenges, no matter where it takes us.

Case Studies

Industries

Offices

About Merchant & Gould

Pages

People

News Room

Practices

Staff

Home - Merchant & Gould P.C.

Sophia Vogeler is a patent attorney at Merchant &amp; Gould, focusing on patent prosecution and litigation. She works with a wide range of organizations in life sciences, mechanical industries, and electrical industries. Sophia is committed to helping clients protect their critical IP by providing them with clear guidance and quality recommendations.

contentpilot/introduction

Dedicated to Strengthening a Company’s Future

core/heading

Sophia knows that patent protection is part of a powerful business strategy. Not only is having your intellectual property protected an effective marketing tool, it also helps companies exclude others from the marketplace and differentiate themselves from competitors that don’t have protection on their IP. That’s why Sophia strives to provide clients with the most efficient strategies to safeguard their assets and help them remain competitive in the marketplace.

core/paragraph

Before formulating a patent strategy, it’s essential for clients to know their options and the appropriate steps to take. Sophia learns about each client’s unique innovations, ideas, and long-term objectives. After meeting with clients, she conducts in-depth research to identify already-existing patents. This enables her clients to avoid infringement and determine how to design around existing solutions.

Sophia performs many tasks to provide her clients with the best path forward. Her duties include responding to office actions, communicating with the USPTO, conducting patentability searches, and drafting patent applications. All of her efforts focus on crafting a comprehensive strategy that encompasses all aspects of a client’s innovation and strengthens their business future.

Sophia’s passionate about the unique inventions of her clients and helping them achieve their goals. She believes a personable approach is essential to give clients the best possible experience. That’s why Sophia treats each client with exceptional care from the very beginning, making sure they feel heard and valued.

With Sophia, clients know they have a strong advocate by their side. She ensures that each client receives consistent attention and communication, taking the time to understand their unique situation. By learning their specific business goals and the details of their inventions, Sophia’s able to provide a personable experience and highly customized strategies for each client.

In high school, Sophia discovered two deep fascinations: patent law and science. This inspired her to pursue her scientific undergraduate degree, with the overall goal of becoming a patent attorney. She attended the University of Iowa and earned her Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, with a chemistry minor, and a certificate in writing.

Sophia is uniquely positioned to empower her clients due to her combined scientific and legal experience. Before becoming an attorney, Sophia worked as an independent research assistant in a biochemistry laboratory. In this role, she experienced the research, testing, and development side of scientific projects. This enhanced her ability to identify, analyze, and synthesize details while she honed her thorough research skills.

Sophia’s strong background in science allows her to understand the complex intricacies of her clients’ innovations. She finds the right resources and uncovers answers for her clients.

Before coming to Merchant and Gould, Sophia worked as a law clerk, where she gained extensive experience in patent law prior to becoming an attorney. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Minnesota Law school, where she graduated cum laude. Sophia finds the realm of patent law extremely rewarding, thriving on the excitement of her clients as they move toward achieving their goals.

Sophia is originally from Iowa and now resides in Minnesota. In her spare time, she loves to travel and read books. Sophia also lives an active lifestyle, often enjoying the many beautiful hiking spots and walking trails of Minnesota.

contentpilot/expand-more

University of Minnesota Law School, J.D. Intellectual Property and Technology Concentration, May 2022, 

University of Iowa, B.S., Biochemistry, Chemistry Minor, & Certificate in Writing, May 2019, 

Sophia Vogeler, Intellectual Property Attorney

she / her / hers

Automotive & Powersports

Building Systems & Construction

Food & Beverage

Industrial Chemistry

Manufacturing

Medical Devices

Pharmaceuticals

Minneapolis

Merchant &amp; Gould is pleased to have welcomed seven associates to the firm: Bridget Carmichael, Zachary Krenz, River Lord, Andrew Nemecek, Rhett Sexton, Sophia Vogeler, and Zachary Zadow.



“These highly credentialed associates bring fresh perspective and new experience to our practice groups and clients. They are excellent additions to the firm, and we are excited to welcome them to our M&amp;G team,” said Heather Kliebenstein, partner and member of the firm’s Executive Committee.



<a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Professionals/Bridget-Carmichael">Bridget Carmichael</a>, Minneapolis, works in the Litigation Practice Group. She serves various industries, including biotechnology, Hatch-Waxman litigation, and general litigation. Bridget received a B.S. in molecular genetics from Ohio State University, and a J.D., cum laude, from University of Minnesota Law School.



<a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Professionals/Zachary-L-Krenz">Zachary Krenz</a>, Minneapolis, works in the Electrical and Software Practice Group. He focuses on preparing and prosecuting patents for clients in the fields of electrical engineering, software, and mechanical products, while assisting the litigation teams in patent-related matters. Zachary received a B.S. in computer science from University of Minnesota, and a J.D., magna cum laude, from University of Minnesota Law School.



<a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Professionals/River-E-Lord">River Lord</a>, Minneapolis, works in the Litigation Practice Group. She helps clients protect their intellectual property through litigation of trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and patents. River received a B.S. in molecular biology from University of Denver, and a J.D. from University of Minnesota Law School.



<a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Professionals/Andrew-J-Nemecek">Andrew Nemecek</a>, Minneapolis, works in the Electrical and Software Practice Group. He is a patent prosecution attorney, helping clients protect their technologies through every step of the patent application process. Andrew received a B.S. in computer engineering from University of Notre Dame, and a J.D. from University of Notre Dame Law School.



<a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Professionals/Rhett-A-Sexton">Rhett Sexton</a>, Knoxville, works in the Electrical and Software Practice Group. As a patent prosecution attorney, he specializes in protecting inventors in the mechanical and electrical software industries.&nbsp;Rhett received a B.S. in electrical engineering from University of Tennessee, and a J.D. from University of Tennessee College of Law.



<a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Professionals/Sophia-I-Vogeler">Sophia Vogeler</a>, Minneapolis, works in the Mechanical Practice Group. She focuses on patent prosecution and litigation in the life sciences, mechanical industries, and electrical industries.&nbsp;Sophia received a B.S. in biochemistry from University of Iowa, and a J.D., cum laude, from University of Minnesota College of Law.



<a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Professionals/Zachary-W-Zadow">Zachary Zadow</a>, Minneapolis, works in the Mechanical Practice Group. He brings a detail-oriented point of view and years of engineering experience to both patent prosecution and litigation matters. Zachary has a B.S. in engineering from University of Minnesota, and a J.D., summa cum laude, from Mitchell Hamline School of Law.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>







<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized is-style-cover-graphic"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/BCarmichael-0501.png" alt="" class="wp-image-21907" width="221" height="150" srcset="https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/BCarmichael-0501.png 885w, https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/BCarmichael-0501-300x203.png 300w, https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/BCarmichael-0501-768x521.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bridget Carmichael</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized is-style-cover-graphic"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ZKrenz-0501.png" alt="" class="wp-image-21967" width="221" height="150" srcset="https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ZKrenz-0501.png 885w, https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ZKrenz-0501-300x203.png 300w, https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ZKrenz-0501-768x521.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Zachary Krenz</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft is-resized is-style-cover-graphic"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RLord-0501.png" alt="" class="wp-image-21971" width="221" height="150" srcset="https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RLord-0501.png 885w, https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RLord-0501-300x203.png 300w, https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RLord-0501-768x521.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">River Lord</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized is-style-cover-graphic"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ANemecek-0501.png" alt="" class="wp-image-22005" width="221" height="150" srcset="https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ANemecek-0501.png 885w, https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ANemecek-0501-300x203.png 300w, https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ANemecek-0501-768x521.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Andrew Nemecek</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized is-style-cover-graphic"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RSexton-0501.png" alt="" class="wp-image-22028" width="221" height="150" srcset="https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RSexton-0501.png 885w, https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RSexton-0501-300x203.png 300w, https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RSexton-0501-768x521.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rhett Sexton</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized is-style-cover-graphic"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SVogeler-0501.png" alt="" class="wp-image-22043" width="221" height="150" srcset="https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SVogeler-0501.png 885w, https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SVogeler-0501-300x203.png 300w, https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SVogeler-0501-768x521.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sophia Vogeler</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized is-style-cover-graphic"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ZZadow-0501.png" alt="" class="wp-image-22050" width="221" height="150" srcset="https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ZZadow-0501.png 885w, https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ZZadow-0501-300x203.png 300w, https://admin.merchantgould.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ZZadow-0501-768x521.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Zachary Zadow</figcaption></figure>

Merchant & Gould Welcomes Seven Associates to the Firm

Mechanical

Chemical & Life Sciences

Electrical & Software

Litigation

Associate

Sophia I. Vogeler

Professional Affiliations

<h3>Publications</h3>
Cell Reports. Ear et al., 2019, Cell Reports 26, 969–983.

Publications & Speaking Engagement

Book Award in Food and Drug Law 
Book Award in Patent Remedies 
H.G. Khorana Scholar Biochemistry Award 2019 
Rex Montgomery Biochemistry Award 2017

Sophia I. Vogeler

Practices

Industries

Education

Professional Affiliations

Publications & Speaking Engagement

Publications

Awards & Recognition