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Full Service Law Firm | Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Specializing in the Intersection of Business &amp; Government

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Professional portrait of John C. Scheller

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John is a trusted advisor who helps clients navigate their business issues with great insight, clarity and perspicacity. Clients rely on John’s extensive litigation and counseling experience to make practical, results-oriented business judgments.

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John’s work includes counseling clients regarding:

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Within the firm, John is currently the Office Managing Partner for Madison as well as leader of IP Litigation. John has served as chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group and chair of the Venture Best® industry group. Prior to joining Michael Best, he practiced at a top Chicago-based law firm and clerked for the Illinois Appellate Court.

John and four of his siblings are third-generation lawyers, and proudly follow in the footsteps of their grandfather, who was a judge in Waupaca County, Wisconsin, and their father, who was a law professor and practitioner.

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100+ Million Dollar Jury Verdict in Intellectual Property Lawsuit

John led a trial team in a heavily-fought lawsuit in the Eastern District of Wisconsin against three law firms, obtaining a $108 million dollar jury verdict for his client. John also successfully defeated a significant contract counterclaim brought by the defendant, which the Court dismissed for lack of standing after the defendant rested its case. The verdict is one of the largest in the history of the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

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Major Trademark Case Across Multiple Jurisdictions

John coordinated state and federal actions in a heated dispute involving a trademark in the health care insurance industry, leading to an injunction and favorable settlement. The cases were particularly challenging as the matters were expedited and involved concurrent proceedings before the commissioner of insurance. Though the parties were not in a position to change their marks, John was able to construct a mutually agreeable settlement following substantive motion practice and discovery.

Injunction Defeat Leading to Invalidated Patents

In response to an injunction request regarding a series of patents relating to exercise equipment, John swiftly responded, forcing the plaintiff to voluntarily abandon its injunction motion in Utah federal court. Following successful motion practice, including prevailing on counterclaims, John later invalidated two of the patents through separate <em>inter partes </em>review (IPR) before the United States Patent &amp; Trademark Office.

Tortious Interference Contract with Patent-Related Counterclaims

John defended his client against claims of intentional interference relating to client’s pursuit and retention of competitor’s sales force in the highly competitive cookware industry. John prevailed for the client, knocking out all of plaintiff’s claims on summary judgment, followed by a successful jury trial on counterclaims.

Defective Parts Lawsuit on Behalf of Manufacturer

In a complex legal action relating to defective food products, John successfully coordinated his client’s claims, resulting in a complete, favorable settlement in which the client was not only fully compensated, but also addressed specifics with respect to replacement products. John further advised his client in developing strategies to protect its reputation in the industry.

Defeat of Massive Injunction that Threatened Client’s Survival

John successfully defeated a critical injunction motion brought in the archery industry by an archrival; if granted, the injunction would have ended the client’s business. In this action, he replaced the lead counsel from a large, national law firm that had handled the prior case, ensuring a seamless transition and, ultimately, a favorable settlement that preserved the client’s business.

John C. Scheller

My Why

What powers my practice

Credentials

Engagement

Insights

Michael Best Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America 2027 List

Nineteen Attorneys Named to Wisconsin Legal 250 List for 2026

Michael Best Welcomes AJ Bianchi, Jr. as Senior Counsel to Litigation Team in Madison Office

My Why

What powers my practice

Credentials

Practices

Industries

Education

Admissions

Honors & Recognition

Engagement

Professional

Insights

Michael Best Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America 2027 List

Nineteen Attorneys Named to Wisconsin Legal 250 List for 2026

Michael Best Welcomes AJ Bianchi, Jr. as Senior Counsel to Litigation Team in Madison Office

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