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The Electrical and Software Practice Group at Merchant &amp; Gould includes lawyers and staff engineers with extensive technical experience in industries that require innovations in electrical and software engineering. Most of the lawyers and engineers handling electronics and software cases have educational backgrounds, in many cases advanced degrees, in electrical engineering, physics and/or materials science, computer software. In addition, many have industrial experience. This enables them to have an insightful understanding of issues involved in each case and effectively interact with clients, inventors and expert witnesses alike.

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We have represented and advised clients in a wide array of technical fields, from optical sensors for machine-vision inspection systems to organic LED displays, from transceivers for cell phone communication to semiconductor wafer manufacturing systems. We work with clients in industries such as computer hardware and peripherals, telecommunications hardware, sensors, power systems, semiconductors, video recording components, audio recording components, medical devices, and fabrication technology, consumer software, computer gaming, telecommunications, power systems, Internet service providers and Internet applications.

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We have a well-informed understanding of our clients’ businesses and the IP problems they face in their industries.&nbsp; Whether it is prosecution of a patent application on a laser diode, due diligence investigation on electronic modules for patient care, or litigation involving nanoscale testing instruments, we staff our cases with professionals with the right background.

As technically proficient as our attorneys are, we are, first and foremost, superior legal counselors.&nbsp; Our attorneys use their technical knowledge as a means to further the end of providing our clients with sound legal advice.&nbsp; Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the relevant law from years of experience, constant following of development in law and frequent interactions with other Merchant &amp; Gould attorneys.&nbsp; We have extensive experience assessing risks to help&nbsp;our clients make prudent business decisions.

From Individual Inventors to Fortune 500 Companies

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Headquartered in Minneapolis, M&amp;G has several offices across the United States and is able to provide a superior experience at Midwestern rates. In addition, we are able provide convenient representation across the United States and in all time zones.

For&nbsp;over 115 years, our intellectual property lawyers have represented individual inventors, emerging regional businesses and Fortune 500 companies located in the U.S. and worldwide.

Services we provide to inventors and companies engaged in innovative electrical engineering endeavors include:

Intellectual property strategy development

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Prosecution and protection of domestic and international patents

Prosecution and protection of design patents

Defense and prosecution of patent infringement claims

Due diligence for intellectual property projects

Interferences, reissues, and reexaminations

<a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Practices/Licensing">Licensing</a>&nbsp;agreements

<a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Practices/Copyright">Copyright</a>&nbsp;registration and protection

<a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Practices/Trademark">Trademark</a>&nbsp;and trade dress registration and protection

Prosecution and defense of trademark infringement claims

<a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Industries/Alternative-Dispute-Resolution">Alternative dispute resolution</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Practices/Litigation">litigation</a>, and appeals

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Virtually all of the attorneys in our Electrical and Software Group have undergraduate or advanced degrees specific to the electrical or computer arts. Collectively, our lawyers put decades of experience within each client's reach. Merchant &amp; Gould is in the top tier of intellectual property law firms nationwide providing intellectual property services for the electrical engineering and computer hardware industries.

Atlanta

Associate

Kamal K. Arvind

Minneapolis

Partner & Chairman Emeritus

Brian H. Batzli

Joseph W. Bauer

New York

Partner

Jonathan Berschadsky

Jeffrey D. Blake

Denver

Kelsey K. Covert, P.E.

Ryan J. Fletcher, Ph.D.

Kristen M. Souther

Peter A. Gergely

Mark L. Gleason

T.  Patrick Johnson

Robert  A. Kalinsky

Zachary L. Krenz

Andrew  J. Lagatta

George C. Lewis, P.E.

Of Counsel

Daniel W. McDonald

Washington, D.C. Area

Senior Counsel

Tarik M. Nabi, Ph.D.

Andrew  J. Nemecek

John C. Reich

Luciano A. Ricondo

William D. Schultz

Saalini V. Sekar

Knoxville

Rhett A. Sexton

Julie K. Skoge

Taylor  R. Stemler

D. Kent Stier

Robert  S. Sykes

Benjamin A. Tramm

Sophia I. Vogeler

Tong Wu

Merchant &amp; Gould is pleased to welcome four attorneys to its legal team, spanning two offices.&nbsp; The new hires include Joseph Bauer and Sheila Niaz in Minneapolis, and Kristen Geary and Matthew Metcalfe in Denver.&nbsp;



“These four attorneys add IP experience and depth to the Electrical &amp; Software Practice Group in Colorado and Minnesota, bringing fresh perspective to our clients. &nbsp;We are excited to welcome them,” said Chris Leonard, Managing Director, CEO and Chairman of the Board, Merchant &amp; Gould.



<a href="/people/joseph-w-bauer/">Joseph W. Bauer</a>, a Minneapolis associate, focuses his practice on patent law for clients in the electrical engineering, computer engineering and software spaces.  From new computer programs to medical devices, he works to prepare patents and prosecutes patents, arguing the patentability of each invention or idea.  Previously, he was a  judicial extern for the US District Court of Minnesota. Joseph received his B.S. in Computer Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and his J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law. 



Sheila S. Niaz, a Minneapolis associate, serves clients in the software and electrical industries. As a previous software engineer, she has the knowledge required to support companies in protecting their most technical ideas and inventions.&nbsp; Sheila worked with Microsoft as a Senior Student Partner and was a Software Engineer for the SRF Consulting Group, Inc., where she developed apps to assist with GIS and CAD utilities.&nbsp; Sheila received her B.S. in Computer Science from the University of St. Thomas, and her J.D. with a Certification in Patent Law from Mitchell Hamline School of Law.



<a href="/people/kristen-m-geary/">Kristen M. Geary</a>, a Denver associate, works in a variety of fields from software to life sciences, preparing secure patents and litigating on behalf of clients’ rights.  As a former patent agent for General Electric, Kristen has experience in patent analysis, patent review and patent prosecution.  During law school, she worked as a law clerk at a boutique IP firm in Colorado and participated in Merchant &amp; Gould’s summer associate program.  Kristen received her B.S. in Biochemistry from Denison University, and her J.D. with a certificate in IP law from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. 



<a href="/people/matthew-m-metcalfe/">Matthew M. Metcalfe</a>, a Denver associate, focuses on patent prosecution, helping businesses secure patent protection for their intellectual property.  Working as a patent extern for the USPTO, he has seen what it takes to reach patentability. Plus, as a law clerk and summer associate for some of Houston’s largest firms, he gained hands-on experience in patent infringement.   Matthew received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas, where he was also a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE); and received his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center.

Merchant & Gould Welcomes Four Associates to Minneapolis and Denver Offices

Merchant &amp; Gould is pleased to welcome <a href="/people/kristen-m-geary/">Kristen M. Geary</a> to the Denver office’s legal team. She serves within the electrical group, working in a variety of fields from software to life sciences, preparing secure patents and litigating on behalf of clients’ rights. 



As a former patent agent for General Electric, Kristen has experience in patent analysis, patent review and patent prosecution.&nbsp; During law school, she worked as a law clerk at a boutique IP firm in Colorado and participated in Merchant &amp; Gould’s summer associate program. While working in each of these roles, Kristen earned the experience necessary to support clients through the patent process.



Kristen received her B.S. in Biochemistry from Denison University, and her J.D. with a certificate in IP law from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.&nbsp; She was also an Associate Editor of the Denver Law Review and the President of the Intellectual Property Law Society.



“Kristen adds IP experience and depth to the Electrical &amp; Software Practice Group in Denver, while bringing her fresh perspective to our clients.&nbsp; We are excited to welcome her here,” said Chris Leonard, Managing Director, CEO and Chairman of the Board, Merchant &amp; Gould.

Merchant & Gould Welcomes Associate Kristen Geary to the Denver Office

New York Office Grows Local Leadership



Merchant &amp; Gould is pleased to announce the promotion of <a href="/people/luciano-a-ricondo/">Luciano A. Ricondo</a> to partner in its <a href="/offices/new-york/">New York office</a>, effective Jan. 1, 2022.  



Luciano helps his clients to strategically grow their patent portfolios and obtain comprehensive intellectual property protection for new products and businesses. &nbsp;He drafts and prosecutes domestic and foreign patent applications in the mechanical, electrical, computer, and software-related arts. Luciano also prepares and prosecutes domestic and foreign industrial designs. &nbsp;While his practice expands across multiple industries, Luciano’s practice primarily focuses on medical devices and software including healthcare communications connecting healthcare professionals with patients. In addition to patent prosecution, he provides litigation support in a variety of areas, including drafting opinion letters regarding patentability, freedom to operate, and patent infringement.



“We are excited to expand our leadership and promote Luciano, who exemplifies the professionalism and experience that help our firm to grow and be successful, especially when our clients need us most,” said <a href="/people/peter-a-gergely/">Peter Gergely</a>, managing partner of Merchant &amp; Gould’s New York office. “His promotion brings greater depth to our Mechanical, Electrical and Software Practice Groups in some of the most inventive industries in New York and across the country.”

Merchant & Gould Promotes Luciano A. Ricondo to Partner

Denver Office Grows Local Leadership



Merchant &amp; Gould is pleased to announce the promotion of <a href="/people/robert-s-sykes/">Robert S. Sykes</a> to partner in its <a href="/offices/denver/">Denver office</a>, effective Jan. 1, 2022.  



Sykes is an intellectual property attorney who practices in the mechanical, electrical, aerospace, software and telecommunication spaces. When preparing a patent application for a client, he emphasizes strategic planning and detailed drafting to strive for efficiency. &nbsp;Sykes believes this is the best way to create real value for clients and their intellectual property portfolios. &nbsp;



“We are excited to expand our leadership and promote Bob, who exemplifies the professionalism and experience that help our firm to grow and be successful, especially when our clients need us most,” said <a href="/people/andrew-l-jagenow/">Andrew Jagenow</a>, managing partner of Merchant &amp; Gould’s Denver office. “His promotion brings greater depth to our Mechanical, Electrical and Software Practice Groups in some of the most inventive industries in Colorado and across the country.”

Merchant & Gould Promotes Robert S. Sykes to Partner

Merchant &amp; Gould congratulates Brian Batzli, partner, and chairman emeritus, for his&nbsp; President-Elect role with the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), a national bar association that helps establish and maintain fair and effective laws and policies through advocacy, education, training, and community outreach.​&nbsp; As president-elect and then president, Brian will help further AIPLA’s mission as an innovator, powerful advocate, and visible global leader in intellectual property.&nbsp;



Brian’s term as President-Elect begins in October 2021, and he will become president in October 2022 for one year.&nbsp; As an active member of AIPLA, he is currently completing his term as First Vice President (2020-2021); was treasurer for three consecutive years (2016-2019), and served on the organization’s Board of Director for five years (2016-present).&nbsp;



Founded in 1897, AIPLA is a national bar association constituted primarily of lawyers and patent agents in private and corporate practice, in government service, and in the academic community.&nbsp;AIPLA represents a wide and diverse spectrum of individuals&nbsp;from law firms, companies, and institutions involved directly or indirectly in the practice of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, and unfair competition law, as well as other fields of law affecting&nbsp;intellectual&nbsp;property. Its&nbsp; 8,500 members represent both owners and users of intellectual property, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations.



“We value AIPLA’s impact on the IP industry, and we are grateful for Brian’s leadership role and continued commitment,” said Christopher J. Leonard, Managing Director and CEO of Merchant &amp; Gould. &nbsp;“More than ever, with increased innovation and greater demand for intellectual property legal services, we are excited for Brian to steer AIPLA’s mission into this next chapter of outreach and advocacy.”



First hired as an associate in 1987, Brian is now in his 34th year at Merchant &amp; Gould. He was elected as the firm’s Managing Director, CEO, and Chairman of the Board in 2010.&nbsp; Brian completed his term in those roles in 2018, when he welcomed his successor, Chris Leonard.&nbsp; He now serves as Chairman Emeritus and continues his practice of strategic IP counseling, licensing, and patent prosecution in the electrical, mechanical, and software arts.



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Merchant & Gould’s Chairman Emeritus  Elected as President-Elect of AIPLA

Merchant &amp; Gould is pleased to announce that George C. Lewis, P.E., partner, who initially joined the Denver office in 1999, has been elected to the firm’s Executive Committee for a two-year term, effective Jan. 1, 2019.&nbsp; He replaces Tony Zeuli who completed four years of service on the Executive Committee.&nbsp;



The Executive Committee represents the leadership values that emerged from Merchant &amp; Gould’s founder John D. Gould, as well as the core group of attorneys who built the firm into a full-service intellectual property law practice almost 119 years ago.&nbsp; Today, those same values guide six Merchant &amp; Gould offices.



“George represents the core values, history and integrity that contribute to Merchant &amp; Gould’s success.&nbsp; We believe the combination of his experience, deep thinking, commitment and perspective will support the business goals of our clients and firm,” said Christopher J. Leonard, Managing Director of Merchant &amp; Gould.&nbsp; “And, thank you to Tony Zeuli for his dedicated, four years of service on the Executive Committee and for his contributions to our clients and firm.”



As a professional engineer turned intellectual property attorney, George develops and integrates IP protection programs that suit his clients and their products, business models, and markets to aggressively protect their market positions and provide a strong foundation for future growth. &nbsp;With degrees in both electrical engineering and chemical engineering and extensive industry experience prior to becoming an attorney, he is uniquely suited to assist clients in responding to the modern IP challenges confronting corporate counsel.&nbsp; George understands challenges that include not only protecting a company&#8217;s core business and brands, but also addressing IP issues associated with the ancillary technologies and corporate functions necessary to a modern business, such as manufacturing techniques, environmental concerns, IT infrastructure, business methods, internet presence and supply chain management.



Leading up to his role on the Executive Committee, George has been involved with several firm-wide committees.&nbsp; He currently co-chairs the Shooting Sports Practice Group; previously chaired the Transportation, IP Due Diligence and Audit Practice Groups; and also served on the Marketing Committee.



Congratulations, George!

George Lewis Elected to Merchant & Gould’s Executive Committee

Decision holds certain patents invalid for claiming unpatentable subject matter.



Merchant &amp; Gould is pleased to announce that its client Patch My PC, LLC, a fast-growing patch management software company, won an important decision in a patent case on April 13 against Ivanti, Inc. &nbsp;



Ivanti sued Patch My PC, alleging that it infringed three Ivanti patents. The patented technology is related to methods and systems for discovering software updates and then updating computers with the software as needed, across a network.



Patch My PC moved to dismiss the complaint, asserting that all three patents were invalid as unpatentable under 35 USC 101. The federal district court in Colorado granted the motion.



&nbsp;In finding the claims invalid under 35 USC 101, the court found the claims were directed at the abstract idea of “adding automation to a well-established manual process of identifying and fixing software bugs on computers.” The court also found that each representative claim of each patent “simply utilizes known components . . . in understood and conventional ways.” Ivanti has until April 20, 2023, to show cause why the case should not be dismissed in its entirety.



This decision is important to enterprises that manage networks. Automated systems for updating PCs and other computers are widespread to ensure network security and proper operation. Ivanti’s portfolio may have presented a threat to other patch system providers in the industry, and to customers who need to make sure their network of computers has updated software. If the patents are invalid, as the court found, the patents cannot be asserted against anyone else.



According to Patch My PC CEO Justin Chalfant, “We are very pleased by the result.&nbsp;We had clearly communicated to Ivanti our belief that the case was without merit even before Ivanti brought suit, and again before we filed our motion to dismiss. This result allows Patch My PC to keep its focus on taking care of its customers, which has always been its strength.”



Merchant &amp; Gould represented Patch My PC, and its litigation team crossed the firm’s Minneapolis, Denver, New York, and D.C.-area offices, including the following attorneys: Daniel W. McDonald, Peter A. Gergely, Ryan J. Fletcher, Kristen M. Souther, Peter S. Selness, and Paige S. Stradley, and technical advisor Yidi Wu.

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