The Baylor Law School Intellectual Property Law Clinic
Baylor Law’s Intellectual Property Law Clinic helps inventors, businesses, and nonprofit organizations protect their ideas and creative work. The Clinic assists clients with patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property matters.
Clients receive legal services at no cost. In return, Baylor Law students gain hands-on experience working with clients and handling intellectual property matters.
Professor Connie Nichols and attorney David Henry founded the Clinic and continue to supervise its work. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) authorizes the Clinic to provide both patent and trademark services. It is one of roughly 45 authorized clinics in the nation and one of about 30 authorized to provide both services. Baylor Law’s Clinic is one of only four in Texas authorized to practice in both patents and trademarks.
The Clinic considers several factors when selecting clients. These include financial need, the educational value of the matter for students, and the potential impact of an invention. Each client accepted by the Clinic works with a student or student team under the supervision of a faculty member or practicing attorney.
The IP Clinic operates year-round and allows students to earn academic credit while doing the work of practicing lawyers. Under a limited license to practice before the USPTO, students work directly with clients and gain experience with patent and trademark matters. Their work may include research, searches, applications, and other filings. Students also interact with USPTO examiners and gain experience that can prepare them for a career in intellectual property law.
As new ideas and technologies enter the marketplace, businesses and inventors need guidance in protecting their intellectual property. The Clinic helps meet that need while giving Baylor Law students practical experience in this area of law.
For questions or more information, email iplawclinic@baylor.edu.
