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Bridget is a skilled patent litigation attorney at Merchant &amp; Gould’s Minneapolis office. She serves various industries, including biotechnology, Hatch-Waxman litigation and general litigation.

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<p class="wp-block-contentpilot-introduction">Bridget is a skilled patent litigation attorney at Merchant &amp; Gould’s Minneapolis office. She serves various industries, including biotechnology, Hatch-Waxman litigation and general litigation.</p>

A Versatile Weaver of Patent Language&nbsp;

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<h2>A Versatile Weaver of Patent Language&nbsp;</h2>

Bridget is committed to helping clients navigate the complex arena of patent litigation. Patent language requires a balance between being equivocal and precise. To help clients achieve the best possible outcome, Bridget takes her time to properly interpret this language.

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<p>Bridget is committed to helping clients navigate the complex arena of patent litigation. Patent language requires a balance between being equivocal and precise. To help clients achieve the best possible outcome, Bridget takes her time to properly interpret this language.</p>

During the process of supporting inventors and scientists, Bridget focuses on using the best possible language to get them the most coverage. Her analytical eye and linguistic skills help her identify potential gaps or expirations to create an effective litigation approach.

<p>During the process of supporting inventors and scientists, Bridget focuses on using the best possible language to get them the most coverage. Her analytical eye and linguistic skills help her identify potential gaps or expirations to create an effective litigation approach.</p>

No two days are alike in the world of patent litigation. When analyzing a client’s unique legal situation and learning all the facts of a case, Bridget skillfully prioritizes pressing issues and ensures efficient timelines. By taking the time to learn about their unique situations and providing reliable communication, Bridget works to provide clients with trustworthy recommendations so they may achieve the best possible outcome.&nbsp;

<p>No two days are alike in the world of patent litigation. When analyzing a client’s unique legal situation and learning all the facts of a case, Bridget skillfully prioritizes pressing issues and ensures efficient timelines. By taking the time to learn about their unique situations and providing reliable communication, Bridget works to provide clients with trustworthy recommendations so they may achieve the best possible outcome.&nbsp;</p>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Dedicated Legal Advocate</h2>


Bridget is a trusted advocate for her clients. Her goal is to provide clients with the most efficient course of action that aligns with their overall goals. She understands that each client’s time and resources are valuable, and helps clients determine which actions are most worth pursuing.

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In a village of La Mancha, the name of which I have no desire to call to mind, there lived not long since one of those gentlemen that keep a lance in the lance-rack, an old buckler, a lean hack, and a greyhound for coursing.

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<p>Bridget is a trusted advocate for her clients. Her goal is to provide clients with the most efficient course of action that aligns with their overall goals. She understands that each client’s time and resources are valuable, and helps clients determine which actions are most worth pursuing.</p>

To streamline tailored strategies, Bridget keeps her eye on the big picture while considering each client’s specific needs. She’s accomplished in crafting thorough arguments from various sources of authority and keeps efficiency at the forefront. Her ultimate goal is to help scientific minds protect their great ideas in the most productive way possible.

<p>To streamline tailored strategies, Bridget keeps her eye on the big picture while considering each client’s specific needs. She’s accomplished in crafting thorough arguments from various sources of authority and keeps efficiency at the forefront. Her ultimate goal is to help scientific minds protect their great ideas in the most productive way possible.</p>

From Molecular Biology Scientist to Patent Litigation Attorney


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Molecular Biology Scientist to Patent Litigation Attorney</h2>


<h2>From Molecular Biology Scientist to Patent Litigation Attorney</h2>

From a young age, Bridget was passionate about the law and science. She attended the Ohio State University and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Genetics. Bridget then spent three years as a technician in a preclinical research lab where she evaluated leukemia treatments in in-vitro and in-vivo models.&nbsp;

<p>From a young age, Bridget was passionate about the law and science. She attended the Ohio State University and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Genetics. Bridget then spent three years as a technician in a preclinical research lab where she evaluated leukemia treatments in in-vitro and in-vivo models.&nbsp;</p>

While she loved the hands-on aspect of her work and learning about the scientific subject matter, Bridget knew it was time to pursue her legal passions. Interested in patent law, she attended the University of Minnesota and earned her Juris Doctor, graduating cum laude.

<p>While she loved the hands-on aspect of her work and learning about the scientific subject matter, Bridget knew it was time to pursue her legal passions. Interested in patent law, she attended the University of Minnesota and earned her Juris Doctor, graduating cum laude.</p>

During her time in law school, Bridget served as a judicial extern at the US District Court of the District of Minnesota for two summers. There she honed her abilities to formulate reasonable arguments and conduct meaningful research.&nbsp;

<p>During her time in law school, Bridget served as a judicial extern at the US District Court of the District of Minnesota for two summers. There she honed her abilities to formulate reasonable arguments and conduct meaningful research.&nbsp;</p>

Born in Ohio and raised in Connecticut, Bridget now happily resides in Minnesota. In her spare time she enjoys creative pursuits, including painting canvases and miniature figures, and knitting cozy clothes.

<p>Born in Ohio and raised in Connecticut, Bridget now happily resides in Minnesota. In her spare time she enjoys creative pursuits, including painting canvases and miniature figures, and knitting cozy clothes.</p>

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<section class="wp-block-contentpilot-expand-more"><div class="wp-block-contentpilot-expand-more__excerpt is-visible" data-selector="expand-more"><p></p></div><div class="wp-block-contentpilot-expand-more__full-content" data-selector="expand-more"><h2>A Dedicated Legal Advocate</h2><p>Bridget is a trusted advocate for her clients. Her goal is to provide clients with the most efficient course of action that aligns with their overall goals. She understands that each client’s time and resources are valuable, and helps clients determine which actions are most worth pursuing.</p><p>To streamline tailored strategies, Bridget keeps her eye on the big picture while considering each client’s specific needs. She’s accomplished in crafting thorough arguments from various sources of authority and keeps efficiency at the forefront. Her ultimate goal is to help scientific minds protect their great ideas in the most productive way possible.</p><h2>From Molecular Biology Scientist to Patent Litigation Attorney</h2><p>From a young age, Bridget was passionate about the law and science. She attended the Ohio State University and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Genetics. Bridget then spent three years as a technician in a preclinical research lab where she evaluated leukemia treatments in in-vitro and in-vivo models.&nbsp;</p><p>While she loved the hands-on aspect of her work and learning about the scientific subject matter, Bridget knew it was time to pursue her legal passions. Interested in patent law, she attended the University of Minnesota and earned her Juris Doctor, graduating cum laude.</p><p>During her time in law school, Bridget served as a judicial extern at the US District Court of the District of Minnesota for two summers. There she honed her abilities to formulate reasonable arguments and conduct meaningful research.&nbsp;</p><p>Born in Ohio and raised in Connecticut, Bridget now happily resides in Minnesota. In her spare time she enjoys creative pursuits, including painting canvases and miniature figures, and knitting cozy clothes.</p></div><button class="wp-block-contentpilot-expand-more__more-button is-visible" data-selector="expand-more">Show More</button><button class="wp-block-contentpilot-expand-more__less-button" data-selector="expand-more">Show Less</button></section>

University of Minnesota Law School, J.D.

The Ohio State University, B.S. Molecular Genetics; Minor in Clinical Psychology & Individual Differences

Pharmaceuticals

Minneapolis

Eighth Circuit Vacates Preliminary Injunction in Tax Preparation Trademark Dispute


<p class="wp-block-contentpilot-introduction">Merchant & 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.</p>



<p>“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&G team,” said Heather Kliebenstein, partner and member of the firm’s Executive Committee.</p>



<p><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., <em>cum laude,</em> from University of Minnesota Law School.</p>



<p><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., <em>magna cum laude</em>, from University of Minnesota Law School.</p>



<p><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.</p>



<p><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.</p>



<p><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. Rhett received a B.S. in electrical engineering from University of Tennessee, and a J.D. from University of Tennessee College of Law.</p>



<p><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. Sophia received a B.S. in biochemistry from University of Iowa, and a J.D., <em>cum laude</em>, from University of Minnesota College of Law.</p>



<p><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., <em>summa cum laude</em>, from Mitchell Hamline School of Law.</p>


Merchant & Gould Welcomes Seven Associates to the Firm

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<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a precedential decision in <a href="https://cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions-orders/22-1212.OPINION.10-18-2023_2207653.pdf"><em>Great Concepts, LLC v. Chutter, Inc.</em>, No. 2022-1212 (Oct. 18, 2023)</a>, on appeal from the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. In 2010, Great Concepts’ counsel filed a combined Section 8 and 15 declaration with the USPTO, declaring in part that the DANTANNA’S mark was not involved in any pending legal proceeding. At the time of that filing, however, the mark was subject to both a cancellation action at the Board and a pending appeal from a trademark infringement lawsuit, both initiated by Chutter’s predecessor. Chutter then filed a new petition to cancel the DANTANNA’S mark in 2015, based on the fraudulent affidavit, which the Board ultimately granted in 2021. Great Concepts appealed to the Federal Circuit.</p>
<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">The Federal Circuit applied a de novo standard of review and reversed, finding the Board was not permitted to cancel the trademark registration based on the unambiguous language in the statute. Section 15 of the Lanham Act enables registered marks to acquire incontestable status after five consecutive years of use following registration—provided there is no pending proceeding involving the owner’s rights in the mark. 15 U.S.C. § 1065. Section 14, however, provides that even an incontestable mark may be canceled if “<em>its registration was obtained fraudulently</em>.” 15 U.S.C. § 1064(3) (emphasis added). For decades, the Board believed that it had the power to cancel a trademark after a fraudulent Section 15 declaration was filed in support of incontestability. <em>See Crown Wallcovering Corp. v. Wall Paper Mfrs. Ltd.</em>, 188 USPQ 141 (TTAB 1975); <em>see also Torres v. Cantine Torresella S.r.l</em>, 808 F.2d 46 (Fed. Cir. 1986) (“Fraud in obtaining renewal of a registration amounts to fraud in obtaining a registration within the meaning of section 14(c) of the Lanham Act.”).</p>
<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Citing the plain and unambiguous language in the Lanham Act, the Court disagreed. It concluded that a declaration of incontestability is not filed in furtherance of obtaining a registration. And although incontestability is an important right—indeed, it is conclusive evidence of the mark’s validity—incontestability is still fundamentally different than registration. The Section 15 declaration filed by Great Concepts did not cause or even contribute to the issuance of the registration. Accordingly, the Court held the Section 15 declaration could not be the basis for canceling the mark under 15 U.S.C. § 1064(3).</p>
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CAFC Overrules USPTO’s Trademark Cancellation Decision

Litigation

Chemical & Life Sciences

Lisa Amos

Associate

Bridget Carmichael

<p>The Honorable Jimmie V. Reyna Intellectual Property American Inn of Court</p>


Bridget Carmichael

A Versatile Weaver of Patent Language

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