Merchant & Gould is thrilled to share that Brian H. Batzli, Partner and Chairman Emeritus, has been chosen as a recipient of the esteemed Minnesota ICONS award by Minnesota Lawyer and Finance & Commerce. This recognition celebrates Batzli's 30-year career in intellectual property law and his contributions to the legal profession and community.
Batzli was selected from a pool of highly qualified nominees by a panel of industry experts. Finance & Commerce recognized Batzli's unwavering dedication to his clients, his strategic acumen and his commitment to mentoring future legal professionals.
"I can’t think of a more deserving person to be named a Minnesota ICON," said Heather Kliebenstein, managing partner at Merchant & Gould. "This award is a reflection of the dedication and passion Brian has for intellectual property law and his commitment to mentoring and supporting the next generation of legal professionals."
Batzli's experience in intellectual property law spans over 30 years. His career began as a legal clerk and staff attorney at CPT Corporation before joining Merchant & Gould, where he ascended to the position of Managing Director, a role he held from 2011 to 2018. During his tenure, Batzli's strategic vision propelled the firm's growth and solidified its standing as a leading intellectual property boutique.
Batzli's impact extends far beyond his legal practice. He is a passionate advocate for education and community engagement. He serves as an Adjunct Professor at William Mitchell College of Law, imparting his knowledge of patent law, intellectual property and computer law to aspiring legal professionals. He also serves as secretary on the Board of Trustees.
Batzli is also deeply involved in his community. He has contributed his time and expertise to the City of Chanhassen Planning Commission, contributing to community development. He also coached soccer and hockey at the Minnetonka Youth Hockey Association for 12 years. Batzli also serves at his local church as a Sunday School teacher.
Batzli's influence reaches a national and international level through his involvement with the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA). As President of AIPLA in 2023, he traveled globally, forging connections with foreign intellectual property offices and advocating for the advancement of intellectual property law. He remains an active member of the AIPLA Board of Directors and frequently shares his insights as a speaker and moderator at industry events.
The Minnesota ICONS award ceremony, hosted by Finance & Commerce, will take place on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Quincy Hall in Minneapolis. The event will commence with a social hour featuring chef-selected food stations from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, followed by the awards program at 6:30 PM.
