Kenneth Kunkle

Firm Principal, and Owner

Kenneth Kunkle

I am Ken Kunkle, a trademark and copyright lawyer in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I was admitted to practice in 1996 after obtaining my law degree from Hamline University School of Law (Now Mitchell-Hamline) and immediately embarked as an entrepreneur starting my first firm. After a break working for others, including a stint working as the Product Manager for Intellectual Property products with what is now Thomson Reuters, in 2009 I established Kunkle Law PLC (AKA Kunkle Trademark and Legal) to provide dependable, prompt, and knowledgeable legal services focusing on trademark and copyright prosecution and licensing to small and medium-sized businesses.

Before pursuing a legal career, I explored various creative fields. I worked as a stagehand, and audio technician and even had the opportunity to act on occasion. Additionally, I had the pleasure of designing synchronized pyrotechnic displays. Although I originally hail from Wichita, Kansas, I now reside in St. Paul with my wife, daughter, faithful dog, and two rambunctious cats. While some people think I have too many hobbies, I am best known for my birding adventures.

Courts and Agencies

United States Patent and Trademark Office
USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board
National Arbitration Forum
World Intellectual Property Organization Arbitration and Mediation Center
Minnesota State Courts, 1996
U.S. District Court District of Minnesota, 2010
U.S. District Court District of Colorado, 2010 (not current)
U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Minnesota, 2011 (not current)

Articles & Interviews

Classes & Presentations

  • Presenter, Intellectual Property: Start to Finish, National Business Institute (January 22, 2018)
  • Presenter, “Use Trademark to Protect Your Business, Brand”, New Business Minnesota (March 2016)
  • Instructor, “Law and Commercial Arts”, Art Institute International of Minnesota (2011-2012)
  • Presenter, “Hand-held Devices & Privacy: We Know What You Read, Bought, Watched, Ate and Emailed Last Summer – Are You Scared?”, Minnesota Bar Association; (February 2011)
  • Instructor, “Trademark Law”, Minnesota Paralegal Institute (2011)
  • Co-Presenter, AIGA Solopreneurs breakfast event
  • Presenter, “Legal Issues Resulting from the Social Media Explosion”, American Bar Association Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (August 6, 2010)
  • Co-Presenter, “Daily Snapshot, the Law of the Arts 101”, The 2010 Midwest Art, Entertainment and Sports Law Institute; Minneapolis, Minnesota (May 7, 2010)
  • Presenter, “Copyright & Other Legal Issues for Producers”, Fringe Festival (2010, 2009)
  • Presenter, “Copyright Myths”, SPCC (2010, 2009)
  • Presenter, Women Venture, Business Formations (2009)
  • Presenter, “The Law of the Internet in Minnesota”, National Business Institute (March 12, 2002)
  • Co-Presenter, Alliance for Community Media (2008)
  • Co-Presenter, “E-Commerce and Online Liabilities”, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education, Computer Law Institute (October 10, 2000)
  • Presenter, “Transferring Copyright”, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Art & Entertainment Law Institute (May 19, 2000)
  • Hennepin County Bar Association Solo and Small Firm Section

Professional Affiliations

Education

Pro Bono / Community Activities

  • Advisory Committee and Volunteer, Springboard for the Arts, St. Paul, Minnesota (1997 – current)
  • Treasurer, Roseville Area Youth Lacrosse Association (2014-2017)
  • Chaired, Crime Prevention Committee, District 10 Community Council, St Paul, Minnesota (2001-2003, 2009)
  • Member, District 10 Community Council, St Paul, Minnesota (2001-2003, 2008-2009)
  • Pro-bono Attorney, Minnesota ACLU (Representing RNC protesters), St. Paul, Minnesota (September 2008)