Thad J. Blenke

Thad J. Blenke helps clients protect, manage, and enforce intellectual property rights across many technical fields. His work covers patent protection and other IP issues for large corporate clients and individuals. He serves industries such as aviation components and control, security electronics, rail and automotive transportation, hardware design, cookware, sports, and mobile software.

Thad earned his B.E., Electrical Engineering from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2005 and his J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law in 2008. During his time at Vanderbilt University, he studied electrical engineering and helped design a missile guidance system for the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command.

Thad handles domestic and foreign patent prosecution, patent litigation, trademark prosecution, clearance work, copyright registration, and enforcement matters. His patent work often involves electrical and mechanical engineering issues. He also helps clients with post-grant procedures before the United States Patent and Trademark Office and supports clear strategies for protecting valuable ideas.

Thad is admitted to practice law in Illinois and Missouri (Active), and he is also admitted before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. His legal career includes experience at a German patent firm, where he worked on oppositions, appeals, and office actions before the European Patent Office.

Thad also brings strong insight to the fast-moving eSports industry. As a lifelong gamer, he understands how quickly that market changes and how important intellectual property can be for growing companies. He guides eSports clients on IP matters that may help them build, protect, and expand their business presence.

Thad has been listed in “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch” for Intellectual Property Law in St. Louis, Missouri, 2021-2025 (by BL Rankings). He was also named a 2021 “Up & Coming” Attorney by Missouri Lawyers Media. He has spoken on “The Law Surrounding Blockchain Technology” at the Disrupt ICT Workshop.

Thad J. Blenke supports clients by combining technical knowledge, patent experience, and practical legal guidance. He helps people and businesses address complex IP concerns, protect inventions, manage brand rights, and respond to disputes. His role on the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis’s Patent, Trademark, and Copyright Section also supports legal training.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Thompson Coburn LLP
• Member, ​Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, The Missouri Bar

Licensed State

• Illinois
• Missouri

Education

• Valparaiso University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Vanderbilt University Law School
  Bachelor of Engineering (BE)

Awards & Badges