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Protecting Thousands of Brands Every Day Requires Breakthrough Innovation and Proactive Strategy. We know. It's what we do.

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Trademarks are one of the most important assets your company owns. A trademark is an icon, an instantly recognizable mini-profile of your brand. When properly secured, trademarks boost brand recognition, generate continual income streams, differentiate from your competitors, and in some cases, can be worth more than the physical assets of the company itself.

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Providing experience from the inside out.

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Merchant &amp; Gould is consistently ranked as a top filer of trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Our trademark group includes three former Examining Attorneys who have collectively examined more than 14,000 trademark applications during their time at the USPTO, in industries from consumer goods, chemicals, natural resources, and industrial goods to healthcare, technology, utilities, and services. This inside knowledge of the Trademark Office allows us to predict the registrability of any type of mark. Our Group maintains an intimate familiarity with the people and processes of the Trademark Office, allowing us to secure registrations with an efficiency that few others can match.

Our TTAB experts, domain name experts, international trademark experts, licensing experts and trial attorneys have helped Merchant &amp; Gould earn its reputation as one of the top trademark and copyright practices in the U.S. and globally. Our trademark database includes more than 60,000 records for hundreds of clients. We clear more than 20,000 docket dates per year.

Building strong brands with preventative measures.

Before adopting and using a trademark or service mark, it's critical to conduct the appropriate due diligence to ensure the mark is available for use and registration in the places you want to use it. A relatively small investment in trademark searching before using the mark or filing trademark applications can help eliminate the risks of potential third-party challenges, the significant costs of related litigation, and the potential need to rebrand your products and services.

Minneapolis

Of Counsel

John “Jack” A. Clifford

Partner

Andrew S. Ehard

Intellectual Property Paralegal

Robyn R. Erickson

Gregory C. Golla

Atlanta

Nachele Hemphill

Scott  W. Johnston

Associate

Lindsay Jones

Carolyn  B. King

Heather J. Kliebenstein

Knoxville

Angela C. Kreis

Los Angeles

Elizabeth  A. Linford

Danielle I. Mattessich

John P. Olson

Brent E. Routman

Jenna Beth I. Sass

Christopher J. Schulte

William D. Schultz

Denver

Julie A. Wolfe

<div>

The Federal Bar Association, Phoenix Chapter presents:
<a href="http://www.fedbar.org/Chapters/Phoenix-Chapter/Calendar/Phoenix-Chapter-Intellectual-Property-Update.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY UPDATE: 
A fast-paced overview of current trends in IP litigation</a>
Faculty: John A. Clifford, Shareholder, Merchant &amp; Gould P.C.
“Frequent flyers” are not just for airlines anymore!  Find out who is suing whom over patents, trademarks, and copyrights, and what it means when your client gets an unexpected letter or summons.  This presentation will cover:
<ul>
<li>Patents: Trolls, hobbits, and actual cases and controversies</li>
<li>Trademarks: Brands, knockoffs, confusion, and the recent SCOTUS decision in B&amp;B v. Hargis</li>
<li>Copyrights: Web search infringement, “There’s an app for that,” “right click” infringement, free downloads, fabrics, Dallas Buyers Club, and The Turtles</li>
</ul>
Jack Clifford has practiced Intellectual Property law since 1981.  He has handled over 5,000 trademarks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, has appeared in over 700 Trademark Oppositions and Cancellations, and established the web site: <a href="http://www.theantitroll.com">www.theantitroll.com</a> to bring useful information to potential victims of patent trolls.  He represents various celebrities and luxury goods makers such as Louis Roederer’s CRISTAL champagne, LORO PIANA fashion goods, ALFA ROMEO automobiles, and LUSH cosmetics.
Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 12:00 – 1:15PM 
Sandra Day O’Connor U.S. District Courthouse | Jury Assembly Room
Cost in advance: $15.00 (FBA Members) | $25.00 (Non-members) | $10.00 (Law Students) 
Free for current federal judicial law clerks and externs 
Cost at the door: $20.00 (FBA Members) | $30.00 (All others) 
Buffet Lunch provided by Citron
RSVP by Monday, May 18, 2015, to Janice Rogalla at <a href="mailto:jrogalla@swlaw.com">jrogalla@swlaw.com</a>
Payment options:
<ol>
<li>Pay ONLINE at <a href="http://www.fedbar.org/Chapters/Phoenix-calendar">http://www.fedbar.org/Chapters/Phoenix-calendar </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.fedbar.org/Chapters/Phoenix-calendar">Send checks in advance payable to “FBA – Phoenix Chapter” (print name of each attendee on check) to Don Gaffney, Snell &amp; Wilmer L.L.P., One Arizona Center, 400 East Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ 85004-2202</a></li>
</ol>
May qualify for up to 1.0 hour CLE credit
</div>

Intellectual Property CLE in Phoenix

Merchant &amp; Gould, a national intellectual property (IP) law firm, is pleased to announce that the following&nbsp;attorneys&nbsp;have been included in&nbsp;The Best Lawyers in America® 2013.&nbsp;



Best Lawyers&nbsp;compiles lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting peer-reviewed surveys in which lawyers confidentially evaluate their colleagues.&nbsp; Since lawyers are not permitted to purchase their rankings or pay a fee to participate, a&nbsp;Best Lawyers&nbsp;listing is considered an unbiased honor.



DENVER, CO



<ul>
<li>Peter A. Gergely &#8211; Litigation (Intellectual Property), Litigation (Patent)</li>
</ul>



MINNEAPOLIS, MN



<ul>
<li>John A. Clifford &#8211; Litigation (Intellectual Property), Patent Law, Trademark Law</li>



<li>Charles E. Golla &#8211; Copyright Law</li>



<li>Allen W. Hinderaker &#8211; Litigation (Intellectual Property), Litigation (Patent)</li>



<li>Scott W. Johnston &#8211; Litigation (Intellectual Property), Trademark Law</li>



<li>Daniel W. McDonald &#8211; Litigation (Intellectual Property), Litigation (Patent), Trademark Law</li>



<li>Christopher J. Schulte &#8211; Litigation (Intellectual Property), Litigation (Patent)</li>



<li>Anthony R. Zeuli &#8211; Copyright Law, Litigation (Intellectual Property), Litigation (Patent), Patent Law, Trademark Law</li>



<li>Rachel Zimmerman Scobie &#8211; Litigation (Intellectual Property)</li>
</ul>



<a href="http://www.bestlawyers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.bestlawyers.com</a>

Merchant & Gould Attorneys Included in The Best Lawyers in America © 2016

<div class="details_summary_text">
Merchant &amp; Gould is pleased to announce that the following attorneys have been included in The Best Lawyers in America® 2017. Best Lawyers compiles lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting peer-reviewed surveys in which lawyers confidentially evaluate their colleagues. Since lawyers are not permitted to purchase their rankings or pay a fee to participate, a Best Lawyers listing is considered an unbiased honor.
DENVER, CO
<ul>
<li>Peter A. Gergely – Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Litigation &#8211; Patent</li>
</ul>
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
<ul>
<li>John A. Clifford – Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Patent Law, Trademark Law</li>
<li>Charles E. Golla – Copyright Law</li>
<li>Allen W. Hinderaker – Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Litigation &#8211; Patent</li>
<li>Scott W. Johnston – Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Trademark Law</li>
<li>Daniel W. McDonald – Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Litigation &#8211; Patent, Trademark Law</li>
<li>Christopher J. Schulte – Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Litigation &#8211; Patent</li>
<li>Rachel Zimmerman Scobie – Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property</li>
<li>Anthony R. Zeuli – Copyright Law, Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Litigation &#8211; Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law</li>
</ul>
<a href="http://www.bestlawyers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.bestlawyers.com</a>
</div>

Merchant & Gould Attorneys Named 2017 Best Lawyers®

Merchant &amp; Gould is pleased to announce that the following attorneys have been included in The Best Lawyers in America® 2018.



Best Lawyers compiles lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting peer-reviewed surveys in which lawyers confidentially evaluate their colleagues. Since lawyers are not permitted to purchase their rankings or pay a fee to participate, a Best Lawyers listing is considered an unbiased honor.



DENVER, CO



<ul>
<li> Peter A. Gergely – Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Litigation &#8211; Patent</li>
</ul>



MINNEAPOLIS, MN



<ul>
<li> John A. Clifford – Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Patent Law, Trademark Law</li>



<li> Charles E. Golla – Copyright Law</li>



<li> Andrew S. Ehard – Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Trademark Law*</li>



<li> Allen W. Hinderaker – Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent</li>



<li> Rachel C. Hughey – Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property**</li>



<li> Scott W. Johnston – Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Trademark Law</li>



<li> Daniel W. McDonald – Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Litigation &#8211; Patent, Trademark Law</li>



<li> Christopher J. Schulte – Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Litigation &#8211; Patent</li>



<li> Christopher J. Sorenson – Litigation – Patent</li>



<li> Rachel Zimmerman Scobie – Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property</li>



<li> Anthony R. Zeuli – Copyright Law, Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Litigation &#8211; Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law</li>
</ul>



* Andrew Ehard recognized by Best Lawyers in Trademark Law for the first time this year



** Rachel Hughey recognized by Best Lawyers in Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property for the first time this year. Also listed in Best Lawyers for the first time this year (2018).



<a href="https://www.bestlawyers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.bestlawyers.com</a>

Merchant & Gould Attorneys Named Best Lawyers® 2018

Merchant &amp; Gould is proud to be recognized in the “United States: Minnesota” category in World Trademark Review’s 2019 research directory, WTR 1000, a peer-feedback-based resource which spotlights firms and attorneys that are deemed “outstanding” by the global trademark community.&nbsp; Merchant &amp; Gould’s trademark attorneys help implement brand strategies for clients in both global and local markets, as well as protect clients’ trademark rights in the event of infringement.



To research the market, World Trademark Review conducted face-to-face and telephone interviews; exchanged correspondence over a four-month period with hundreds of lawyers, attorneys and their clients involved with trademarks; and gathered written submissions from firms detailing their recent activity in the field. &nbsp;When identifying the leading firms, factors such as depth of expertise, market presence and the level of work on which they are typically instructed were also taken into account.



A few comments shared by World Trademark Review: “Outstanding and reliable in terms of quality, Merchant &amp; Gould has long stood tall as a trademark and IP leader in Minnesota. Particularly striking is the international reach of its practice, which extends into all the corners of the world. The professionals here think globally about brands and are extremely well connected with top IP outfits abroad; they send out a lot of instructions and, as testament to the group’s quality, people are only too happy to reciprocate.”



In addition to the general firm feedback, the following Merchant &amp; Gould received positive comments from sources, as noted in quotations below:



<ul>
<li>Trademark chair&nbsp;Christopher Schulte&nbsp;“gives excellent, commercially focused advice” and helps clients to mitigate risk wherever they are doing business. “He operates at the cutting edge of trademark prosecution.”</li>



<li>Andrew Ehard&nbsp;is “unbelievably knowledgeable, practical and responsive, he’s phenomenal on anything complex and hands down the best trademark lawyer.”</li>



<li>Coordinating work to and from Asia,&nbsp;Brent Routman&nbsp;“has patents to his name and is a dyed-in-the-wool innovator with a passion for trademark, copyright, internet and advertising law.”</li>



<li>Scott Johnston “brings fresh ideas to the table; he developed Brandscape, which presents trademark information in a visual form to help those with little knowledge of trademarks to protect themselves against third parties.”</li>



<li>Heather Kliebenstein’s “background in patents puts her in pole position to handle multifaceted IP disputes. She’s a top trademark litigator – big brand owners think she’s fantastic.”</li>



<li>Gregory Golla&nbsp;“bridges the contentious and non-contentious sides of the practice,&nbsp;and he has an edge in the courtroom over other litigators, who lack his depth of prosecution&nbsp;expertise.”</li>
</ul>



Congratulations to the Minneapolis office and the Merchant &amp; Gould’s trademark team!

Merchant & Gould Is Recognized by World Trademark Review  for Its “Outstanding and Reliable” Work and IP Leaders in Minnesota

Please Join Us



The recent backlash by the outdoor community to Backcountry.com’s aggressive trademark enforcement practices underscores the importance of policing your rights in a way that does not harm your mark or reputation. 



In this complimentary CLE, a panel of in-house trademark experts will discuss the Backcountry.com case, other instances of trademark enforcement gone awry, and ideas for protecting your brands without creating a Backcountry.com-style backlash. We will also have a brief networking session with beverages and hors d’oeuvres after the discussion.



<h2>Thursday, February&nbsp;27, 2020 &#8211; 3:00 p.m.&nbsp;</h2>



150 South Fifth Street Third Floor Conference Center Minneapolis, MN 55402



<h2>Panelist</h2>



<ul>
<li>Sarah A. Lockner &#8211; Assistant Chief IP Counsel &#8211; Ecolab</li>



<li>Alexandria M. Christian &#8211; Counsel &#8211; General Mills</li>



<li>Becky J. Sullwold &#8211; Manager/Paralegal &#8211; Polaris</li>
</ul>



<h2>Moderator</h2>



<ul>
<li>Scott W. Johnson &#8211; Partner &#8211; Merchant &amp; Gould</li>
</ul>



<h2><a href="https://emailcc.com/s/09682e3514426d4e9d4928d720b265ba6837b530" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RSVP Here!</a></h2>



This event will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m. to ensure full CLE credit. An application for 1.5 hours of CLE credit is currently pending.

Trademark Enforcement Without Alienating Your Customers or Tarnishing Your Brand

Merchant &amp; Gould is pleased to announce that the following attorneys have been included in&nbsp;The Best Lawyers in America©&nbsp;2021.



Best Lawyers&nbsp;compiles lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting peer-reviewed surveys in which lawyers confidentially evaluate their colleagues. Since lawyers are not permitted to purchase their rankings or pay a fee to participate, a&nbsp;Best Lawyers&nbsp;listing is considered an unbiased honor.



ATLANTA, GA Jeff Blake&nbsp;&#8211; Patent Law



DENVER, CO Peter A. Gergely&nbsp;– Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Litigation &#8211; Patent



MINNEAPOLIS, MN John A. Clifford&nbsp;– Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Patent Law, Trademark Law Andrew S. Ehard&nbsp;– Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Trademark Law Allen W. Hinderaker&nbsp;– Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent Rachel C. Hughey&nbsp;– Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property Scott W. Johnston&nbsp;– Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Trademark Law Heather J. Kliebenstein&nbsp;–&nbsp;Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property Thomas J. Leach&nbsp;–&nbsp;Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property Daniel W. McDonald&nbsp;– Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Litigation &#8211; Patent, Trademark Law Christopher J. Schulte&nbsp;– Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Litigation &#8211; Patent William D. Schultz &#8211; Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property Christopher J. Sorenson&nbsp;– Litigation – Patent Rachel Zimmerman Scobie&nbsp;– Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property Anthony R. Zeuli&nbsp;– Copyright Law, Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property, Litigation &#8211; Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law

MERCHANT & GOULD ATTORNEYS NAMED BEST LAWYERS 2021

Merchant &amp; Gould is proud to announce that World Trademark Review has recognized three of the firm’s Minneapolis attorneys in the 2020 Global Leaders Guide: Private Practice: <a href="/people/christopher-j-schulte/">Christopher J. Schulte</a>, <a href="/people/andrew-s-ehard/">Andrew S. Ehard</a> and <a href="/people/scott-w-johnston/">Scott W. Johnston</a>.  As a peer-feedback-based resource, World Trademark Review identifies the “best of the best” in the trademark industry.



While Chris, Andrew and Scott have been recognized in previous years in the Gold Tier for WTR 1000, this year’s recognition is even more notable – earning places on the short list for WTR 300 global leaders. Merchant &amp; Gould’s trademark attorneys develop and implement cutting-edge brand development, registration and enforcement strategies for clients in both global and local markets, and are a trusted source for trademark counseling for companies who value their brands.&nbsp;



According to World Trademark Review, “All those listed as&nbsp;WTR Global Leaders&nbsp;merit special attention owing not only to their expertise and experience in relation to creating, protecting, managing and enforcing essential brand rights; but also to their ability to innovate, inspire and go above and beyond to deliver for their clients.”



Congratulations to the Minneapolis office and the Merchant &amp; Gould trademark team!

Three of Merchant & Gould’s Trademark Attorneys Ranked in World Trademark Review as “2020 Global Leaders” in Private Practice

Recognized for client engagement and client investment.



Congratulations to <a href="/people/andrew-s-ehard/">Andy Ehard</a>, partner in Merchant &amp; Gould’s Minneapolis office, for being selected as a BTI Client Service All-Star 2020.



Andy is one of 475 attorneys selected from 181 firms around the country.&nbsp; The methodology is based solely on unprompted feedback from clients at large and Fortune 1000 organizations.&nbsp; Specifically, Client Service All-Stars are noted for their client engagement, client investment, savvy approach, unequivocal recommendations, deep knowledge and anticipation for client needs.



As part of the selection process, Andy shared his philosophy with the BTI team:



“My approach to client service is to do my best to provide timely, thoughtful and easy -to-understand advice in a cost- effective manner, to allow my client to execute on their business plans. My goal is to be available to my clients 24/7 or ensure that someone on my team is ready to provide assistance. I also take significant steps to understand my client’s business goals and objectives, to tailor an IP strategy that provides for them the broadest scope of protection at the most reasonable price point possible.”



Andy practices general intellectual property law with an emphasis on trademark and copyright matters. &nbsp;He represents and counsels significant brand holders in the management of their global trademark portfolios and the selection, clearance, and registration of new brands. &nbsp;&nbsp;Andy also represents clients involved in domestic and foreign trademark oppositions and cancelation proceedings.



For a complete list of BTI Client Service All-Stars 2020 and additional background, please click here: https://bticonsulting.com/bti-client-service-all-stars-2020

Andy Ehard Named a BTI Client Service All-Star 2020

TMA Provides New Avenues for Eliminating Phantom Registrations from Federal Register



<h2>Highlights</h2>



<ul>
<li>The TMA Provides for Third-Party Submission of Evidence During Examination and More Flexible Office Action Response Periods.&nbsp;</li>



<li>The TMA Allows for Immediate Ex Parte Reexamination Proceedings to Challenge Evidence of Use Submitted in an Application.</li>



<li>The TMA Outlines Ex Parte Expungement Proceedings to Remove Unused Registrations 3 Years After Issuance.</li>
</ul>



As part of the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act on December 27, 2020, a bipartisan group of Congressional leaders has passed the Trademark Modernization Act (“TMA”) of 2020.&nbsp; The TMA seeks to answer longstanding calls to address concerns about never used or fraudulently acquired trademark registrations. Several key components of the TMA work together to create a framework through which the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) will address the overcrowded Federal Register.



1. The TMA Provides for Third Party Submission of Evidence During Examination and More Flexible Office Action Response Periods.



The TMA will allow third parties to submit evidence relevant to a ground for refusing a pending application. Within two months of receipt, the USPTO may then decide whether to include the evidence in the record and issue a refusal of the application based upon the evidence received. This procedure may provide for an efficient and cost-effective means of preventing improper registrations without having to initiate an opposition or cancellation proceeding. However, it remains unclear how this procedure will differ from those now in place for letters of protest.



Similarly, the TMA also provides for more flexible office action response periods. In some instances, which are yet to be clarified, the USPTO may allow applicants to extend the time to respond to an office action by up to 6 months. In other instances, the USPTO may require shorter response periods of as few as 60 days. Together, the forthcoming regulations may assist in shortening or lengthening the application process in an effort to maximize the inward flow of applications accompanied by proper use evidence and minimize the intake of those without such evidence.



2. The TMA Allows for Immediate Ex Parte Reexamination Proceedings To Challenge Evidence of Use Submitted In An Application.



The TMA provides that any third party may request that the USPTO reexamine an application for non-use.&nbsp; The reexamination may be filed immediately after and within 5 years from the date a use-based application is filed or evidence of use is submitted in connection with an intent-to-use application.&nbsp; If the evidence submitted is persuasive, the USPTO may then institute a reexamination of the reported mark without further action by the requesting party. It may cancel the reported registration with respect to all goods therein that were accompanied by insufficient evidence of use of the applied-for mark if the registrant cannot present evidence rebutting the evidence submitted to the USPTO.



Notably, this section only applies to domestic applications-not those filed under §66 or §44 of the Trademark Act.



3. The TMA Outlines Ex Parte Expungement Proceedings to Remove Unused Registrations 3 Years After Issuance.



The TMA also establishes an ex parte expungement proceeding, whereby any third party may file a petition to expunge a registration of a mark that has never been used in commerce on all or some of the goods and services listed in the registration. The petition must be filed between 3 and 10 years following issuance of the registration, but all registrations currently more than 3 years old will be subject to expungement petitions for the first 3 years after the USPTO regulations are implemented. If the evidence submitted by the petition is deemed sufficient by the USPTO, it may institute an ex parte expungement proceeding and the registrant would then have the burden to prove use. Where a registrant fails to meet its burden, the USPTO may elect to cancel the registration with respect to all goods and services that were never used in connection with the mark.



These rules apply to all applications filed in the United States, including registrations filed under §66 or §44. However, the TMA notes that foreign applicants subject to an ex parte expungement proceeding will be provided with an opportunity to submit evidence of special circumstances, such as embargos and international trade restrictions, that may support arguments of excusable non-use.



The TMA demonstrates an increased effort by Congress to assist the USPTO and trademark applicants in decluttering the Federal Register. Although the TMA’s framework addressing this ongoing challenge is presented generally, more specific guidelines and procedures can be expected in the near term. The Director of the USPTO was tasked with furthering Congress’ intentions in the TMA within the next year, which will result in short term changes to both the makeup of the Federal Register and established trademark law principles.



Lindsay M.R. Jones

Trademark Modernization Act

Read Full Article Here: <a href="/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Morality_refusal_grounds_are_gone_from_the_United_States_but_are_alive_and_well_in_China_World_Trademark_Review.pdf">Morality refusal grounds are gone from the United States but are alive and well in China</a>

Morality refusal grounds are gone from the United States but are alive and well in China

Congratulations to Minneapolis partner Andrew Ehard on being named a 2021 Lexology Client Choice Award Winner, which recognizes attorneys around the world for their excellent client care and quality of service. &nbsp;Specifically, Andrew was chosen for his “ability to add real value to clients’ business, above and beyond the other players in the market.”



Uniquely, attorneys can be nominated only by corporate counsel who are asked to rate individuals on a range of distinguished qualities from industry knowledge, strategic thinking, quality of advice, responsiveness and effective communication, to loyalty and ethics. The results are then divided by country and work area. &nbsp;This year, Client Choice recognized 593 winners across 73 jurisdictions worldwide.&nbsp;



Andrew practices general intellectual property law with an emphasis on trademark and copyright matters. &nbsp;He represents and counsels significant brand holders in the management of their global trademark portfolios and the selection, clearance, and registration of new brands. &nbsp;Andrew also represents clients involved in domestic and foreign trademark oppositions and cancelation proceedings.



Within the firm, Andrew serves on the Executive Committee and has previously acted as the chair of the Trademark Group and the co-chair of both the Recruiting Committee and the New Associate Group. &nbsp;He is a frequent speaker and presenter on intellectual property and trademark issues.



For a complete list of 2021 Lexology Client Choice Award Winners, visit www.ClientChoice.com. &nbsp;

Andrew S. Ehard Named A 2021 Lexology Client Choice Award Winner

Merchant &amp; Gould was ranked in five National Tier and six Metropolitan categories in the 2022 edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms,” recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.



Achieving a high ranking is a special distinction that marks a unique combination of excellence and breadth of experience. Ranked firms, presented in three tiers, are recognized on a national and regional-based scale. Firms that received a tier designation reflect the highest level of respect a firm can earn among other leading lawyers and clients from the same communities and practice areas. Merchant &amp; Gould ranked in the following National and Metropolitan categories:



<h2>National Tier 1</h2>



Patent Law



<h2>National Tier 2</h2>



Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property Litigation &#8211; Patent



<h2>National Tier 3</h2>



Copyright Law Trademark Law



<h2>Metropolitan Tier 1 &#8212; Minneapolis</h2>



Copyright Law Litigation &#8211; Intellectual Property Litigation &#8211; Patent Patent Law Trademark Law



<h2>Metropolitan Tier 3 – Atlanta</h2>



Patent Law



To be eligible for a ranking, a firm must first have a lawyer recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®, which recognizes 6 percent of lawyers practicing in the United States, and also receive consensus on some of the following factors: firm-wide work, the size and coverage of a firm in a specific area, historical analysis, research surrounding the firm’s overall scope and areas of expertise.



The 2022 rankings incorporate more than 8.2 million evaluations of more than 115,000 individual leading lawyers from more than 22,000 firms. More than 2,000 firms received a national law firm ranking this year.

Merchant & Gould Recognized on U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” List with Rankings in 11 National and Metropolitan Categories

Merchant &amp; Gould is proud to announce that World Trademark Review (WTR) has recognized three of the firm’s Minneapolis attorneys in the 2021 Global Leaders Guide: Private Practice: <a href="/people/christopher-j-schulte/">Christopher </a><a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Professionals/Christopher-J-Schulte">J. Schulte</a>, <a href="/people/andrew-s-ehard/">Andrew S. Ehard</a>, and <a href="/people/scott-w-johnston/">Scott W. Johnston</a>.  As a peer-feedback-based resource, World Trademark Review identifies the “best of the best” in the trademark industry.



Chris, Andrew, and Scott have been recognized in previous years in the Gold Tier for WTR 1000&nbsp;and&nbsp;WTR 300 global leaders. Merchant &amp; Gould’s trademark attorneys develop and implement cutting-edge brand development, registration, and enforcement strategies for clients in both global and local markets, and are a trusted source for trademark counseling for companies who value their brands.&nbsp;



According to World Trademark Review, “All those listed as&nbsp;WTR Global Leaders&nbsp;merit special attention owing not only to their expertise and experience in relation to creating, protecting, managing and enforcing essential brand rights; but also to their ability to innovate, inspire and go above and beyond to deliver for their clients.”



To view the complete 2021&nbsp;Global Leaders Guide: Private Practice list, <a href="https://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/survey/wtr-global-leaders/2021/article/wtr-global-leaders-private-practice" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a>.

Three M&G Trademark Attorneys Ranked as WTR “2021 Global Leaders” in Private Practice

Merchant &amp; Gould is pleased to announce its Gold rating in the <a href="https://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Trademark Review</a>&nbsp;list of the world&#8217;s top trademark firms and attorneys for 2019. The firm and four of its trademark attorneys were again ranked in&nbsp;United States: Minnesota.&nbsp;



In&nbsp;its annual publication, the WTR 1000, the WTR reserves it top rating of Gold for firms and individuals &#8220;that attract the most positive comments from sources.&#8221; These are firms and attorneys whose &#8220;success often hinges on reputations established over lengthy periods of time, something which enables them to secure the most high-profile, big-ticket work from the most prestigious of clients.&#8221;&nbsp;



Merchant &amp; Gould congratulates Minneapolis trademark partners <a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Professionals/Andrew-S-Ehard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Andy Ehard</a>, <a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Professionals/Scott-W-Johnston" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scott Johnston</a>, <a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Professionals/Brent-E-Routman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brent Routman</a>, and <a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Professionals/Christopher-J-Schulte" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Schulte</a> on their inclusion in the 2019&nbsp;edition of&nbsp;the&nbsp;WTR 1000.

Merchant & Gould Trademark Team Recognized by World Trademark Review

Retains Gold Rating in List of The World&#8217;s Leading Trademark Professionals 2020.



Merchant &amp; Gould is pleased to announce it has again received a Gold rating in the <a href="https://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Trademark Review</a> list of the world&#8217;s top trademark firms and attorneys for 2020. The firm and four of its trademark attorneys were again ranked in United States: Minnesota. 



In&nbsp;its annual publication, the WTR 1000, the WTR reserves the&nbsp;top rating of Gold for firms and individuals &#8220;that attract the most positive comments from sources.&#8221; These are firms and attorneys whose &#8220;success often hinges on reputations established over lengthy periods of time, something which enables them to secure the most high-profile, big-ticket work from the most prestigious of clients.&#8221;&nbsp;



Merchant &amp; Gould congratulates Minneapolis trademark partners <a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Professionals/Andrew-S-Ehard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Andy Ehard</a>, <a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Professionals/Scott-W-Johnston" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scott Johnston</a>, <a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Professionals/Brent-E-Routman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brent Routman</a>, and <a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Professionals/Christopher-J-Schulte" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Schulte</a> on their inclusion in the 2020 edition of&nbsp;the&nbsp;WTR 1000.

Merchant & Gould Recognized by World Trademark Review

Retains Gold Rating in List of The World&#8217;s Leading Trademark Professionals 2022.



Merchant &amp; Gould is pleased to announce it has again received a&nbsp;Gold rating in the <a href="https://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Trademark Review</a>&nbsp;list of the world&#8217;s top trademark firms and attorneys for 2021. The firm and four of its trademark attorneys were again ranked in&nbsp;United States: Minnesota.&nbsp;



In&nbsp;its annual publication, the WTR 1000, the WTR reserves the&nbsp;top rating of Gold for firms and individuals &#8220;that attract the most positive comments from sources.&#8221; These are firms and attorneys whose &#8220;success often hinges on reputations established over lengthy periods of time, something which enables them to secure the most high-profile, big-ticket work from the most prestigious of clients.&#8221;&nbsp;



Merchant &amp; Gould congratulates Minneapolis trademark partners <a href="/people/andrew-s-ehard/">Andy Ehard</a>, <a href="/people/scott-w-johnston/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scott Johnston</a>, <a href="/people/brent-e-routman/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brent Routman</a>, and <a href="/people/christopher-j-schulte/">Chris Schulte</a> on their inclusion in the 2021 edition of the WTR 1000.

Merchant & Gould Trademark Group Recognized by World Trademark Review

Retains Gold Rating in List of The World&#8217;s Leading Trademark Professionals 2022



Merchant &amp; Gould is pleased to announce it has once again received a&nbsp;Gold rating in the <a href="https://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Trademark Review</a>&nbsp;list of the world&#8217;s top trademark firms and attorneys for 2022. The firm and four of its trademark attorneys were again ranked in&nbsp;United States: Minnesota.&nbsp;



In&nbsp;its annual publication, the WTR 1000, the WTR reserves the&nbsp;top rating of Gold for firms and individuals &#8220;that attract the most positive comments from sources.&#8221; The WTR 1000 focuses exclusively on trademark practice and has firmly established itself as the definitive &#8216;go-to&#8217; resource for those seeking world-class legal trademark expertise.



Merchant &amp; Gould congratulates Minneapolis trademark partners <a href="/people/andrew-s-ehard/">Andy Ehard</a>, <a href="/people/scott-w-johnston/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scott Johnston</a>, <a href="/people/brent-e-routman/">Brent Routman</a>, and <a href="/people/christopher-j-schulte/">Chris Schulte</a> on their inclusion in the 2022 edition of the WTR 1000.

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