Scott W. Johnston

In today's competitive and increasingly digital marketplace, a business's brand is often its most valuable asset. For companies across Minnesota, protecting that brand, from its name and logo to its unique products and services, is paramount. Navigating the complex world of intellectual property, especially trademark law, requires specialized expertise. In Minneapolis, Scott W. Johnston stands out as a leading attorney dedicated to helping businesses secure, police, and defend their brands both domestically and internationally.

Scott W. Johnston is a highly respected partner at Merchant & Gould, a national intellectual property law firm with a strong presence in Minneapolis. With a career spanning decades, Scott has focused his practice almost exclusively on trademark law, with a particular emphasis on policing, enforcement, and litigation. He understands that securing a brand goes beyond mere registration; it requires proactive strategies to protect against infringement and unfair competition in a constantly evolving global landscape.

His work involves providing strategic counseling on the most effective ways to secure and perfect brands around the world. This comprehensive approach includes utilizing a combination of tools such as trademark registration, customs registration, copyright registration, trademark opposition proceedings, online take-downs, and Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) actions. When disputes escalate, Scott is a seasoned litigator, adept at representing his clients' interests in both federal courts and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB). He is known for his ability to balance a healthy skepticism with innovation and creativity, always seeking efficient and effective ways to prevent and solve problems for his clients, whether big or small. His expertise is so well-regarded that he has even served as a court-appointed expert in trademark law and assisted with settlement as both an expert and a neutral. For any business in Minnesota looking to safeguard its intellectual property, Scott W. Johnston offers invaluable knowledge and dedicated advocacy.

Location and Accessibility

Scott W. Johnston's office is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, making it readily accessible for businesses and clients throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area and beyond. His professional address is:

80 S 8th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA

This address places him within the prestigious IDS Center, a prominent and easily recognizable landmark in downtown Minneapolis. This central location offers exceptional accessibility via various modes of transportation. For those utilizing public transit, the office is within easy walking distance of numerous Metro Transit bus stops and light rail stations, providing straightforward connections from different parts of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding suburbs. This makes it convenient for clients to attend meetings, drop off documents, or engage in direct consultations regarding their intellectual property matters. For clients who prefer to drive, the downtown area offers a variety of parking ramps and facilities within a short walk of the IDS Center, providing convenient options for those traveling by car. The ease of access to his office underscores his commitment to being a local, readily available resource for businesses in the Minnesota community, helping them protect their valuable brands.

Services Offered

Scott W. Johnston's legal practice is primarily focused on trademark law and encompasses a wide array of services crucial for brand protection and enforcement:

• Trademark Policing & Enforcement: Proactive monitoring of marks to detect potential infringement and taking necessary legal action to enforce trademark rights, including sending cease-and-desist letters and negotiating settlements.
• Trademark Litigation: Representing clients in federal courts and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) in disputes involving trademark infringement, dilution, unfair competition, and opposition/cancellation proceedings.
• Strategic Trademark Counseling: Providing comprehensive advice on how to best secure, register, and manage brands globally, including clearance searches and risk assessments for new trademarks.
• Trademark Registration: Assisting clients with the process of registering trademarks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and coordinating international registrations.
• Copyright Registration: Advising on and handling the registration of copyrights for creative works, which often complement trademark protection.
• Customs Registration: Helping clients register their trademarks with customs authorities to prevent the import of counterfeit goods.
• Online Brand Protection: Implementing strategies for addressing online infringement, including domain name disputes (UDRPs), social media take-downs, and other digital enforcement actions.
• Trade Secret Protection: Advising on measures to protect valuable business trade secrets and representing clients in trade secret misappropriation disputes.
• Intellectual Property Strategy Development: Working with businesses to develop comprehensive IP strategies that align with their overall business objectives.

His expertise in these areas ensures robust protection for clients' intellectual property assets.

Features / Highlights

Scott W. Johnston's professional standing and achievements are marked by several significant features and highlights:

• Decades of Specialized Experience: With over 20 years of experience, particularly since his admission to the Minnesota State Bar in 1994, Scott W. Johnston brings profound depth of knowledge in trademark law.
• Partner at Renowned IP Firm: As a partner at Merchant & Gould P.C., a firm recognized globally for its intellectual property expertise, he is part of a leading team in the field.
• Consistent Industry Recognition: He has been consistently selected to the "Minnesota Super Lawyers" list from 2008-2024 and was also recognized as "Rising Star" in earlier years. He has also been listed in "The Best Lawyers in America" since 2009 (through 2025) and recognized by "Who's Who Legal – Trademarks" (2019) and "The World's Leading Trademark Professionals by WRT 1000" (2013-2015). Managing IP has also recognized him as an "IP Star" from 2013-2021.
• Innovative Tool Development: Scott developed and patented "Brandscape®," a unique tool that visually presents trademark information, simplifying complex data for business people without legal backgrounds. This demonstrates his innovative approach to client service.
• Court-Appointed Expert: His expertise is so highly regarded that he has served as a court-appointed expert in trademark law, including testifying on intricate issues like trademark registrations, prosecution, color marks, and likelihood of confusion.
• Published Author & Speaker: He is a frequent author and presenter on various trademark and intellectual property topics, contributing to legal education and thought leadership within the IP community.
• Admitted to USPTO: He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) since 1995, signifying his comprehensive understanding of trademark prosecution.

These highlights collectively solidify his reputation as a highly accomplished and trusted intellectual property attorney.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a highly experienced and specialized intellectual property attorney at a prominent law firm, Scott W. Johnston and Merchant & Gould P.C. do not typically advertise ongoing "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer retail sense. Legal fees for specialized intellectual property services are generally structured based on the complexity of the client's needs, the scope of work involved (e.g., registration, policing, litigation), and the time and resources required.

However, it is common for intellectual property firms to offer an initial consultation. This allows prospective clients to discuss their specific brand protection needs, understand the attorney's approach, and learn about potential strategies and associated fees before committing to an engagement. It is highly advisable to contact Scott W. Johnston's office directly to inquire about scheduling such a consultation and to discuss how his services can align with your business's intellectual property goals.

Contact Information

If your business in Minnesota requires expert legal counsel for trademark protection, enforcement, or litigation, you can contact Scott W. Johnston using the following details:

• Address: 80 S 8th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA
• Phone: (612) 371-5274
• Mobile Phone: +1 612-371-5274
• Email: SJohnston@MerchantGould.com (as found on firm's website)

Calling his office during business hours is the most direct way to schedule an appointment or to discuss your specific intellectual property needs.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For businesses and innovators across Minnesota, particularly those in the Minneapolis metropolitan area, Scott W. Johnston offers an exceptionally suitable and highly specialized legal resource for protecting their most valuable intellectual assets – their brands. His office, centrally located in the iconic IDS Center in downtown Minneapolis, ensures excellent accessibility for local clients, facilitating easy communication and in-person collaboration.

Scott's profound expertise, backed by decades of experience and consistent recognition as a top trademark lawyer, provides Minnesotan businesses with robust protection against infringement and unfair competition. His innovative approach, including tools like Brandscape®, demonstrates a commitment to simplifying complex legal matters for business owners. Whether you are a startup needing to secure your first trademark or an established corporation facing complex IP litigation, Scott W. Johnston's comprehensive services, coupled with his reputation for strategic and effective advocacy, make him an invaluable partner. For any local enterprise looking to safeguard its intellectual property and ensure its brand thrives in the marketplace, Scott W. Johnston and Merchant & Gould provide the trusted expertise and dedicated support needed.