Intellectual property, patents and trademarks—Oh my! Penn State Law Clinic is here to help
Photo: Provided.
Do you need help with patents or trademarks for your business? The Penn State Law Intellectual Property Clinic offers free counseling for Pennsylvania entrepreneurs in intellectual property strategy. These free services are to advise clients in general intellectual property counseling, performing patentability and trademark clearance searches and drafting patent and trademark applications, and interacting with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
By scheduling a pro bono session, business owners gain access at no charge to high quality intellectual property legal services. This program not only provides services for entrepreneurs, but it also provides a learning opportunity for Penn State Law students with oversight over practicing attorneys.
Director Jon D’Silva said that the goal is for students to have hands-on experience. “This is similar to what they would experience at a small law firm to handle general intellectual property matters including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and some contracts and licensing,” he said. “Students are assigned to clients and conduct interviews to determine how we may be of service and then counsel them on the basics of intellectual law and some best practices on the use, protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.”
“All of the activities of the Clinic are offered at no charge to the client; however, the client would have to pay official filing fees,” he said.
“Navigating the nuances of intellectual property can be complicated,” Debbi Prosser Director of Business Development for the Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission said. “We are so fortunate to have access to the services of the Penn State Law Clinic. They guide, educate and consult entrepreneurs in our region.”
In January 2023, the clinic will be taking over the administration of the USPTO Patent Pro Bono Program. “This program will connect individuals and small businesses with volunteer patent attorneys and patent agents to prepare and file or prosecute patent applications at the US Patent and Trademark Office at no charge for those that meet the income requirements,” D’Silva said.
Unsure which Penn State law clinic you need? Jessica Lattanza, who is the assistant director of the Altoona LaunchBox supported by the Hite Family, offered this clarification.
“If you are looking for information and assistance about legally protecting your product, process, idea, or creative work, head to the Intellectual Property Clinic. The IP clinic can help with patent, trademark, and copyright-related needs. Need legal advice and assistance with other items related to business startup and entrepreneurial endeavors? The Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic is the place for you!”
Click here to schedule your appointment!
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
