The PTO Trademark Clinic provides an unprecedented opportunity for upper-level students to represent entrepreneurs who cannot afford expensive counsel before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. As a participant in the Trademark Clinic, students practice a variety of important skills, including client interviewing, drafting letters of communication with a federal agency, providing informal business and legal counsel, and writing memoranda and appellate briefs. More specifically, the Trademark Clinic allows students interested in intellectual property to apply what they have learned in class: students evaluate trademarks for distinctiveness, conduct trademark searches, draft persuasive documents for trademark applications, and communicate with the PTO during the pendency of the application evaluation period.

In addition to the case work, once a week students attend an hour and 40 minute seminar. The seminar involves discussions about the cases, instruction on relevant law, procedure and evidence, as well as examination of policy issues related to intellectual property, trademarks, and entrepreneurship.

Students should expect to devote a minimum of 16 hours per week to the clinic, including the fieldwork and the seminar.

Approved for Experiential Learning Requirement. Enrollment is limited. Registration is binding. Application is required, and can be found on the Office of Clinical and Experiential Learning section of the NYLS Portal.

Recommended for the following Professional Pathways: IP/Copyright and Trademark; Media, Entertainment, Sports, Fashion; Tech/Privacy; General Practice – Litigation/Dispute Resolution

Pre-requisites: Intellectual Property or Trademarks & Unfair Competition.

8 Credits: Full Year Course
Fall: 4 credits
Spring: 4 credits