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<em>James Rieke and Robert Sykes refresh with specialization and deep industry experience</em>

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Merchant &amp; Gould is pleased to announce new leadership for its <a></a><a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Practices/Design-Patent-Trade-Dress">Design Patent &amp; Trade Dress Group</a>, marking a refresh with deeper specialization for its clients. <a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/people/james-p-rieke/">James P. Rieke</a>, Minneapolis partner, and <a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/people/robert-s-sykes/">Robert S. Sykes</a>, Denver partner, will co-chair the practice group, demonstrating a well-balanced leadership team in this fast-growing area of intellectual property.

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The <a href="https://www.merchantgould.com/Practices/Design-Patent-Trade-Dress">Design Patent &amp; Trade Dress Group</a> serves all clients, regardless of industry or specific technical needs, helping obtain and enforce utility patents, utility models, design patents, trademarks, trade dress, copyrights and trade secrets. The group is comprised of attorneys with a deep understanding about how the different types of intellectual property (e.g., trade dress and design patents), domestically and internationally, can be used offensively and defensively in an integrated intellectual property strategy.&nbsp;

“Jim and Bob bring deep experience across many industries, and, together, they provide leadership and specialized solutions to this practice group and our firm They will keep our clients updated on the newest Design Patent &amp; Trade Dress trends, case law and comprehensive IP strategies,” said Julie Daulton, Minneapolis partner and co-chair of Merchant &amp; Gould’s Mechanical Practice Group, which interconnects with the Design Patent &amp; Trade Dress Group.

Jim has more than 20 years of domestic and international experience with a focus on patent preparation, prosecution, and strategic IP portfolio management. His unique and extensive background in design patents, a rapidly-growing niche area that helps inventors and companies with patents related to the way products look, is extremely specialized. Jim has handled an extensive volume of design patent cases over the years across a broad range of innovative industries.

Bob has more than 10 years of experience in the mechanical, electrical, aerospace, software, and telecommunication spaces.&nbsp;He incorporates his background as a structural design engineer into his law practice.&nbsp;When preparing a patent application for a client, Bob emphasizes strategic planning and detailed drafting to strive for efficiency. He believes this approach is the best way to create real value for clients and their intellectual property portfolios.

“Design patents and trade dress rights are important tools for an integrated approach to protection. We look forward to Jim and Bob’s guidance, as we expand this specialized IP service for our clients,” added David Schmaltz, Minneapolis partner and co-chair of the firm’s Mechanical Practice Group.

Merchant & Gould Announces New Leadership for Design Patent & Trade Dress Group

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