Paul Godfread

Paul Godfread is a Minneapolis-based attorney at Pruvent PLLC who advises clients in intellectual property, data privacy, business law, and litigation. With a background in information technology and business, Paul delivers forward-thinking legal guidance that helps clients adapt to evolving technology and legal landscapes. His approach is relationship-driven, not transactional, aiming to understand his clients’ goals and help them grow confidently and securely.

Paul earned his law degree from William Mitchell College of Law and his undergraduate degree from Saint Olaf College.

Paul has advised startups and established companies across diverse industries such as software, agriculture, finance, media, and retail. He is deeply experienced in trademark prosecution, copyright enforcement, and domain name disputes, representing clients before the USPTO, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and in federal court. He also counsels companies on privacy compliance under regulations like GDPR and CCPA, and works closely with IT professionals on breach preparedness and response strategies.

As a litigator, Paul has led trials, appeals, and arbitrations, securing injunctions and favorable outcomes in intellectual property, contract, and commercial disputes. He has also served as outside general counsel for growing businesses, handling contracts, licensing, M&A, collections, and asset protection. His ability to merge legal acumen with practical insight makes him a reliable partner to tech-driven and creative enterprises.

Paul Godfread is admitted to practice in Minnesota and multiple federal courts, and he is active in several professional organizations including the International Trademark Association and the Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association. In addition to his practice, he teaches trademark and copyright law at Mitchell Hamline College of Law and provides pro bono support for artists, musicians, and digital rights causes through organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Whether developing privacy policies, enforcing IP rights, or guiding business growth, Paul brings clarity, commitment, and creative problem-solving to every client engagement.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Pruvent PLLC
• Internet Committee Member, International Trademark Association
• Member, Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association, Business Law Section
• Member, Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association
• Member, French American Chamber of Commerce
• Member, District of Minnesota
• Member, Bankruptcy Court District of Minnesota
• Member, District of North Dakota
• Member, Western District of Wisconsin
• Member, District of Colorado

Licensed State

• Minnesota

Education

• William Mitchell College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Saint Olaf College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges