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Allen W. Hinderaker

Of Counsel

AHinderaker@MerchantGould.com
D 612.371.5292

Assistant

Carol Nystrom

CNystrom@MerchantGould.com
D 612.336.4622
Allen W. Hinderaker photo

As a trial lawyer with a long track record of successful outcomes, Allen's goal is not just to win a single case, but to put his client's business in a stronger competitive position. When going to trial does not serve the goals of the client, Allen employs a litigation and negotiation strategy in collaboration with the client to meet the business goals of the company.

Allen represents clients in court, before administrative tribunals, and in private arbitration. He understands that case strategies, tactics, and outcomes must align with business objectives: the litigation must be planned, budgeted, and handled in partnership with the client to serve the client's business objectives. Allen's trial practice is focused on patent infringement, trademark and trade dress infringement, commercial contract and licensing disputes, trade secret misappropriation, and claims of unfair competition.

Allen likes to run, read, and travel in his spare time.

Honeywell International, Inc v. ICM Controls Corp. (United States District Court, District of Minnesota Patent Infringement; Copyright Infringement; False Advertising)

Ardent Mills, LLC v. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (United States District Court, District of Kansas – Patent Infringement)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company v. Ardent Mills, LLC (United States Patent and Trademark Office before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board – Inter Partes Review

  • University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., 1974,

    magna cum laude

  • Saint Olaf College, B.A., 1970,

    magna cum laude

  • Minnesota State Bar
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, 2010
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, 2006
  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado, 2004
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 2002
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit, 1994
  • U.S. Supreme Court, 1993
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, 1993
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Dakota, 1980
  • U.S. District Court - District of Minnesota
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, 1976
  • Minnesota Supreme Court

Twin Cities Diversity in Practice
Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America, Trial Lawyer Honorary Society
Co-Founder, Intellectual Property Institute
Member, Diversity Law Institute
Member, The Trial Law Institute
The Honorable Jimmie V. Reyna Intellectual Property American Inn of Court
Master and Founding Member

Judicial clerk, The Honorable Gerald W. Heaney, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, 1974-1976

Recognized as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” for IP Litigation and Patent Litigation by The Best Lawyers in America, 2010-2023
Selected for inclusion in Minnesota Super Lawyers, 2003-2020

Super Lawyers 20 Years

Panelist, Sharing of Judicial Experiences: Intellectual Property Rights, United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, August 10, 2015

Demonstrative Evidence Under the Rules: The Admissable and Inadmissable, Litigation Commentary & Review, co-authored with Ian McFarland, July 2015

Do The Facts Stand A Chance: Case Story and The Art of Persuasion – Cite as 4 Litigation Commentary & Rev. 198, February/March 2012

Panelist, AIPLA Electronics & Computer Patent Law Summit, on Patent July Trials, August 16, 2011

Speaker, Litigation Counsel of America Renaissance Symposium II, on Persuasion, March 20, 2011

Speaker, 29th Annual Conference of the American Society of Trial Consultants, on Witness Preparation, June 17, 2010

Speaker, Continuing Legal Education Program, Mastering Courtroom Evidence, January 11, 2009

IP Law 360 Article Value And Trust: Trial Preparation From Day One, Portfolio Media, New York, April 8, 2008

Domestic And International Litigation Strategies, Taking Steps Toward A Successful Resolution, Aspatore Books, 2007

Speaker, Continuing Legal Education Program, Advertising Law, October 25, 2005. Sponsor, Lorman Education Services

Speaker, Continuing Legal Education Program, Using Themes in Trials, Trademark Litigation, June 21, 2002. Sponsor, Minnesota Institute of Legal Education