Kelly Merkel leads the Wolfe patent team providing strategic direction to the firm’s Fortune 500 clients in cost effectively developing and implementing intellectual property strategies to achieve short term and long term goals. Widely recognized for her forward thinking approach to risk management and strategic thinking to maximize results, Merkel brings a wealth of global patent preparation, prosecution, licensing and general counsel experience.
Prior to joining Wolfe, Merkel served as Legal Counsel for Ideal Standard in Brussels and as Associate General Counsel for American Standard in the United States. During her tenure, she provided leadership in the preparation and prosecution of complex global patent applications including mechanical and electro-mechanical devices, methods and machinery, as well as providing detailed opinion letters with regard to patentability and freedom to operate. She has led negotiation teams in global transactions including, licensing, asset purchases, royalty and joint development agreements. She has managed global trademark and domain name portfolios and is well versed in global copyright and anti-counterfeiting laws. Merkel has served on due diligence teams and supported merger and acquisition activity providing leadership in the analysis and evaluation of intellectual assets.
With more than 14 years of experience in patent law, Merkel provides senior leadership to the Wolfe patent team. Merkel graduated from Rutgers School of Law and Georgia Institute of Technology. She is widely published and recognized as a leader in the field.