Breaking the Ice: Attorney creates some of his own IP with app.

Byline: Todd Nelson

Name: Bradley Walz

Title: Partner, Barnes & Thornburg

Education: B.A., business economics, University of St. Thomas; J.D., University of St. Thomas School of Law

Bradley Walz's work with clients developing software, devices, beverages and food products inspired the partner in Barnes & Thornburg's Minneapolis office to do some inventing of his own.

His creation is an app for conducting preliminary trademark searches.

The app, at TrademarkBob.com, enables users to search multiple names for proposed products or companies, Walz said, where the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office site limits searches to one name at a time.

"It's definitely beneficial for companies that are engaging in the naming process to get results quickly so they can identify problems and get to a new name sooner," Walz said.

Walz specializes in trademark prosecution and enforcement, corporate work with copyrights, patents and trade secrets, and data protection and security compliance counseling.

He joined Barnes & Thornburg in November 2018 after 12 years at Winthrop and Weinstine.

Walz, an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, works with students to address trademark-related issues for clients who can't afford to hire an attorney.

An undergraduate law and economics class got Walz interested in the law, and a mentorship program with attorneys Timothy Kenny and Michael Collyard influenced his intellectual property focus.

Q: What's the best way to start a conversation with you?

A: I'm pretty approachable. Coming up, saying hi and introducing yourself is the easiest way. I enjoy meeting new people.

Q: What books are on your bedside table or e-reader?

A: I have a 5-year-old, so I don't have much time for casual reading. I'm a huge Minnesota Vikings fan and season ticket holder. I played hockey as an undergraduate at St. Thomas and follow the Wild closely. If the Twins get a pitcher I'll probably follow them. I try to keep up on all the Minnesota sports.

Q: What is a pet peeve of yours?

A: If you're having a discussion with someone and they say they're going to do something and they don't follow through or it takes them a long time to follow through without a good explanation, that kind of bothers me.

Q: What are your favorite aspects of being an attorney?

A: I enjoy helping people out and not just their legal problems. Whether they're looking to raise money, do some marketing, looking for a customer, if I can use my network to help...