Kenneth Kunkle

Trademark Lawyer; Firm Principal, and Owner

Kenneth Kunkle

I am Ken Kunkle, a trademark and copyright lawyer in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I have been practicing law since 1996 and obtained my law degree from Hamline University School of Law. In 2009, I established Kunkle Trademark and Legal to provide dependable, prompt, and knowledgeable trademark and copyright services to small and medium-sized businesses.

Before pursuing a legal career, I explored various creative fields. I worked as a stagehand, audio technician and even had the opportunity to act on occasion. Additionally, I have experience in designing synchronized pyrotechnic displays. Although I originally hail from Wichita, Kansas, I now reside in St. Paul with my wife, daughter, two dogs, two cats, and a guinea pig. While I am known for having to many hobbies, I best known for birding.

Education

J.D., Hamline University School of Law, Saint Paul, Minnesota
B.A., Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas

Practicing and Admitted Before

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

  • Interviewed, Airplanes, golf courses, trademarks and more: Trump’s government will oversee his businesses, Washington Post (1/15/2017)
  • Interviewed, #getfried says hands off the hashtag, Franchise Times (7/21/2016)
  • Author, Use Trademark to Protect Your Business, Brand, New Business Minnesota (January 2016)
  • Interviewed & Featured, The Blawgosphere, Twin Cities Business (February 2011)
  • Interviewed, FTC Endorsement Guidelines, coachingtoys.com
  • Interviewed, Developing an Entertainment Law Practice in a Secondary Market, Solo Practice University
  • Author, Creating an Interactive Internet Environment for Clients, Beyond the Bar
  • Author, Current Events in Entertainment Law, MSBA Art & Entertainment Law News
  • Author, Divorce and the Creative Professional, MSBA Art & Entertainment Law News
  • Author, Is an Attorney’s Work Product Protected by Copyright Laws?, Beyond the Bar (reprinted in The Daily Record, Rochester, New York)
  • Author, Minimum Contacts in a Virtual World, Bench & Bar of Minnesota (1998)
  • Interviewed, “For the Adventurous Only: Law listservs and Newsgroups” Minnesota Lawyer (8/28/1998)
  • Interviewed, “Civil Cyber Service” Saint Paul Pioneer Press (2/9/1998)

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 Fransisco, 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

  • International Trademark Association (INTA)
  • American Bar Association (ABA)
    • ABA Intellectual Property Section: Member
    • ABA Business Law Section
    • ABA Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries: Former Member
  • Minnesota Bar Association (MSBA)
    • MSBA Arts & Entertainment Section: Former Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer
    • MSBA Business Law Section: Member
    • MSBA Internet Law Committee: Former Member
    • American Intellectual Property Law Association; Former Member
    • Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association: Member
  • Ramsey County Bar Association

Trade Associations

  • Member, Minnesota AIGA (2009-2013)
  • Member, Minnesota Book Publishers Round table (2009-2010)
  • Member, Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association (2009-2012)
  • Member, Midway Chamber of Commerce (2009)
  • Member, St. Paul Chamber of Commerce (2009)
  • Associate Member, National Academy of Recording Artists

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)