Trademark Pro Bono Program at Lewis & Clark

The Small Business Legal Clinic (SBLC) with Lewis & Clark Law School has been named as one of the new Law School Clinic Certified Pilot Trademark Programs of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) beginning this fall. The Small Business Legal Clinic is only certified program of the USPTO in Oregon. The USPTO chose schools based on their IP curricula, pro bono services to the public, and community networking and outreach. The SBLC, with the support of the USPTO, will allow students to practice trademark law before the USPTO under the supervision of an approved faculty clinic supervisor.

The SBLC submitted a comprehensive application this spring that underscored Lewis & Clark Law School’s commitment to intellectual property law, both through theoretical learning and practical application. Students have long worked on intellectual property matters for clients through the Small Business Legal Clinic. The clinic frequently presents on general Intellectual Property matters to audiences around Oregon. Students also support clients in the filing of trademarks and help clients better understand copyright and patent concepts.

The designation as pro bono trademark program through the USPTO will allow the clinic to received feedback and support on trademark applications submitted to the USPTO on an expedited basis. Individual students will be admitted to practice before the USPTO under the guidance of the clinic professionals, Professor Susan Felstiner and Adjunct Professor Bonnie Page. The Small Business Legal Clinic is very excited to begin this new partnership with the USPTO in September.

For the official press release, click here.