Lee Bennin is an associate in Lathrop GPM’s Intellectual Property Litigation practice group, where he helps clients protect and defend their creative and business assets. With a deep understanding of intellectual property law and a background in various areas of litigation—including product liability, commercial disputes, railroad, insurance litigation, and appellate matters—Lee offers a well-rounded perspective that allows him to craft thoughtful and strategic solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

Lee represents clients in federal and state courts across the country, as well as in proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. He guides clients through all phases of intellectual property disputes, from pre-suit enforcement to trial, always keeping the broader business implications in focus. As a pragmatist, Lee is committed to providing practical and results-oriented advice to ensure that legal strategies align with his clients’ long-term goals.

Lee has represented a wide range of clients, from small business owners to national industry leaders. For example, he has represented clients in the public safety, software development, consumer electronics, food and beverage, home product manufacturing, home service, outdoor recreation, aviation, entertainment, media publishing, broadcasting, real estate construction and development, architecture, and automotive industries. His ability to understand how intellectual property disputes intersect with broader business concerns allows him to offer holistic and strategic counsel. He is passionate about helping clients protect their brands and navigate the complexities of intellectual property law, whether through litigation or proactive brand management strategies.

Before entering private practice, Lee clerked for the Honorable Matthew E. Johnson, John R. Rodenberg, and Diane B. Bratvold of the Minnesota Court of Appeals, where he gained invaluable insight into judicial decision-making and appellate advocacy. During law school, he excelled in intellectual property advocacy, competing in the prestigious Giles Sutherland Rich Intellectual Property Moot Court Competition, where his team achieved national quarterfinals and regional first-place honors. He also served as an Articles Editor for the University of St. Thomas Law Journal, assisted with an article about the Federal Tort Claims Act, and mentored first-year law students as a Writing Fellow.

Beyond his legal practice, Lee brings a strong sense of discipline and leadership from his time serving in the United States Army Reserves. As a Civil Affairs Sergeant with the 308th Civil Affairs Brigade, he worked in specialized roles supporting military and civilian operations. He is a two-time Army Achievement Medal recipient, a testament to his dedication and commitment to service.

Outside of work, Lee enjoys staying active through running, biking, hiking and snowboarding. He completed his first marathon in 2025 and has more planned in the near future. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he follows motorsports, football, and soccer with passion. He also loves traveling, exploring state and national parks, and spending quality time with his wife.

Areas of Focus

Services

Experience

  • Omnia Medical, LLC v. PainTEQ, LLC (M.D. Fla.). Represented a medical device company in the enforcement of its trademarks, patents and other IP rights against competitor PainTEQ. The case settled favorably with PainTEQ admitting infringement.
  • Critical Response Group, Inc. v. GeoComm, Inc. (S.D. Iowa). Represented a leading provider of public safety technology solutions against a competitor’s claims for copyright infringement, trade dress infringement, trade secret misappropriation, and breach of contract. Lathrop GPM successfully obtained summary judgment on the copyright, trade dress, and trade secret claims, which significantly narrowed the case and directly led to a settlement.
  • Campbell v. Vox Media, Inc. and Buzzfeed, Inc. (W.D. Mo.). Represented an entertainment and media company in a copyright infringement case brought by a sports photographer. The plaintiff alleged infringement of copyright in a photograph. Lathrop GPM successfully obtained dismissal of the plaintiff’s claims at the pleadings stage.

  • WMTI Productions, Inc. v. Propagate Content, LLC (C.D. Cal.). Defended an independent content creation company against allegations that two of its hidden camera prank television shows infringed copyright in earlier shows. The case settled.
  • Polywad Inc. v. Federal Cartridge Company (M.D. Ga. and D. Minn.). Represented defendants in their dispute with Polywad involving ballistic technologies. Successfully obtained transfer of venue from Georgia to Minnesota. The case settled.
  • Polywad Inc. v. Able's Sporting et al. (M.D. Ga.). Represented defendants against trademark infringement allegations by Polywad. The case settled.
  • KJ-Park v. Match Group, Inc. (9th Cir.). Appellate counsel to a real estate developer in a commercial lease termination dispute. Lathrop GPM successfully obtained reversal of summary judgment, with the Ninth Circuit concluding as a matter of law that Match Group did not have a contractual right to terminate the lease in dispute.

Credentials

Education

  • University of St. Thomas School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2019)
    • Articles Editor, University of St. Thomas Law Journal
    • Dean’s Award, Civil Pretrial Litigation
    • Dean’s Award, Criminal Procedure I
  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (B.S., Criminal Justice, magna cum laude, 2013)

Clerkship

  • Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Matthew E. Johnson, John R. Rodenberg, and Diane B. Bratvold, Minnesota Court of Appeals, 2019 – 2020

Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • Minnesota

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court for the District Minnesota
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Recognitions

  • Minnesota Super Lawyers, "Rising Star," 2025
  • Minnesota State Bar Association, "North Star Lawyers," 2023, 2025

Community Involvement

  • University of St. Thomas School of Law, Moot Court Coach, 2019 to 2023
  • Advocates for Human Rights, Afghan Refugee Legal Clinic
  • Minnesota State Law Library, Appeals Self-Help Clinic