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Rhett Sexton is a Patent Prosecution Attorney at Merchant &amp; Gould. Rhett specializes in protecting the valuable ideas of inventors in the mechanical and electrical software industries. Rhett helps clients protect their inventions by putting together a precise plan that aligns with their long-term objectives.

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Supporting Clients Through Efficient Processes&nbsp;

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Efficiency is at the forefront of Rhett’s process. With the best interest of the client in mind, Rhett works to provide each inventor with trustworthy recommendations and clear communication in a timely manner. He uses his analytical skills and legal knowledge to help clients decide what’s worth pursuing and to streamline an effective patent protection process.

In the world of patent protection, equilibrium is required between broad and specific language. This helps clients obtain enough coverage for their technologies and prevents competitors from designing around the gaps in their patents.

To create a strong patent strategy, Rhett first takes the time to fully understand a client’s invention. To ensure their technologies are accurately described, he learns the intricate details and functions of each idea. He also conducts extensive research on the industry’s landscape to determine what’s patentable.&nbsp;

Rhett’s able to simultaneously focus on particular areas in a client’s technology while keeping his eye on the big picture. Rhett helps clients determine which specific features to highlight in their patents. He then strategizes courses of action that will help clients achieve their ultimate goal of securing the most comprehensive coverage possible.

Rhett knows how vital it is to provide clients with trusted counsel. He makes sure he interacts with empathy and understanding toward his clients and fully understands their goals. He also focuses on informing clients accurately so they aren’t confused by the complex legal process.

Each client’s situation is unique, with different needs and goals. Rhett considers each aspect of their situation to formulate a customized strategy. This individualized approach helps him provide clients with cost-effective solutions to protect their futures.

From Electrical Engineer to Patent Attorney

Rhett attended the University of TN, Knoxville where he earned his Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering. Notably, he was in both the Chancellor’s Honors Program and Engineering Honors Program.&nbsp;

Since his first year of higher education, Rhett knew he wanted to become an attorney. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor at the University of TN Law School in Knoxville, where he graduated cum laude and with Honors in Civil Procedure II, Patent Law and Copyright Law.

Before becoming an attorney at Merchant and Gould, Rhett served as a Law Clerk at the firm. During this time, he honed his skills in writing patent applications, patent amendments, non-infringement arguments and IP legal issue articles. He also supported the legal team by conducting research and attending patent examiner reviews.&nbsp;

Patent prosecution provides the perfect marriage between Rhett’s engineering and legal passions. Always enthusiastic about engineering, computers and software, he immensely enjoys digging into clients’ inventions and learning about their innovative ideas. His scientific background and critical thinking skills allow him to see all aspects of a client’s technology and understand its intricacies.&nbsp;

A native of Tennessee, Rhett enjoys hiking in his home state’s beautiful mountains with his wife and two dogs. He also loves road biking, attending football games and boating on the lake.

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville, M.S. Electrical Engineering

The University of Tennessee College of Law, J.D.

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville, B.S. Electrical Engineering, 

Rhett Sexton, Intellectual Property Attorney

Computer Technology

Electronics

Semiconductors

Knoxville

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.



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<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="auto, (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="auto, (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="auto, (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="auto, (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="auto, (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="auto, (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="auto, (max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Zachary Zadow</figcaption></figure>

Merchant & Gould Welcomes Seven Associates to the Firm

Electrical & Software

Litigation

Mechanical

Post Grant Proceedings

Christina Caudle

Associate

Rhett A. Sexton

Link at Your Own Risk: Navigating GPL Copyleft Obligations in Contemporary Modular Software Architectures, co-authored Jonathan Berschadsky and Rhett Sexton, NYIPLA The Report (2025)

Rhett A. Sexton

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