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16 March 2023TrademarksMuireann Bolger

Merchant & Gould appoints first female MD in 123 years

New lead of seven US offices previously served as firm’s chair of litigation practice.

Merchant & Gould has announced that  Heather Kliebenstein (pictured), a Minneapolis shareholder who joined the firm in 2004, has been named as managing director of its seven offices across the US.

Kliebenstein is the firm’s first female managing director in its 123-year history.  Tracey Skjevelan will work alongside her as the firm’s COO and CFO, and will manage day-to-day operations, while Kliebenstein remains client-focused.

Kliebenstein and the executive committee will steer the firm and provide direction for long-range planning and growth.

Commenting on her promotion, Kliebenstein said: “Our industry is ready to increase the role of women in leadership: supporting the unique perspective and diversity of thinking for our clients, industry, and community.

“Inclusion and innovation are at the core of Merchant & Gould’s principles and culture, and these values have never been more important.” As an IP litigator with a technical background, Kliebenstein represents her clients in court and counsels clients with regard to their IP portfolio strategy.

She specialises in trademark, trade dress, copyright, advertising, unfair competition, breach of contract, patent, design patent and trade secret litigation—particularly cases that intertwine multiple intellectual properties, contracts and other federal or state claims. Kliebenstein is the former chair of Merchant & Gould’s litigation practice.

Skjeveland joined Merchant & Gould in 1999 as a financial analyst. In 2006, she was named CFO, and was named the firm’s COO in 2014. “We are becoming more process-oriented and streamlined to allow us to grow our technology and innovation focus. More than ever, it has become abundantly clear that our platform is highly desirable in the IP legal market,” said Skjeveland.

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