Merchant & Gould is pleased to announce that Brian H. Batzli, partner and Chairman Emeritus, is the new president of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA). His term began on October 29th. The AIPLA is a national organization that supports intellectual property professionals and advances an effective and balanced IP system through advocacy, education, training, and community outreach.

As president, Brian will help further AIPLA’s mission as an innovator, powerful advocate, and visible global leader in intellectual property, representing U.S. interests throughout the world and guiding AIPLA’s domestic policy. As an active member of AIPLA, he has held a number of positions within the organization. Brian just completed his term as president-elect (2021-2022); was AIPLA’s treasurer for three terms (2016-2019); and has served on the organization’s Board of Director for five years (2016-present).  In addition, prior to serving on the Board, Brian held a variety of Committee leadership positions.   

Founded in 1897, AIPLA is a national bar association constituted primarily of Intellectual Property professionals in private and corporate practice, in government service, and in the academic community. The AIPLA represents a wide and diverse spectrum of individuals from law firms, companies, and institutions involved directly or indirectly in the practice of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, and unfair competition law, as well as other fields of law affecting intellectual property.  Its 7,500 members represent both owners and users of intellectual property, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations.

“On behalf of the entire firm, I congratulate Brian on this tremendous achievement! We value AIPLA’s impact on the intellectual property profession, and we are grateful for his exceptional leadership and ongoing commitment,” said Christopher J. Leonard, Managing Director and CEO of Merchant & Gould. “More than ever, with increased innovation and greater demand for intellectual property legal services, we are excited for Brian to help steer AIPLA’s mission, outreach, and advocacy during an important time for our industry. He is a smart lawyer and an exceptional leader.”

First hired as an associate in 1987, Brian is now in his 35th year at Merchant & Gould. He was elected as the firm’s Managing Director, CEO and Chairman of the Board in 2010. Brian completed his term in those roles in 2018, when he welcomed his successor, Chris Leonard. He now serves as Chairman Emeritus and continues his practice of strategic IP counseling, licensing, and patent prosecution in the electrical, mechanical, and software arts.