Intellectual Property Clinic

How We Can Help
The Intellectual Property Clinic, based out of Penn State Law in University Park, offers free legal services and counseling in intellectual property strategy to startup companies, nonprofit entities, and entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth. We aim to assist clients who otherwise would not have access to legal counsel. We are not a service to cut legal fees; if you can afford to retain outside counsel, you should. Our goal is to assist clients who do not have access to legal counsel.
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Services
  • General intellectual property counseling
  • Performing patentability and trademark clearance searches
  • Drafting patent, trademark, and copyright registration applications, and interacting with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S. Copyright Office
  • Draft and review intellectual property and licensing agreements
  • As of January 1, 2023: Managing the USPTO Patent Pro Bono Program in Pennsylvania

Two ways to receive support - both offered at no-cost!

 

Penn State Intellectual Property Clinic

In this path, all IP work is performed by Penn State Law students under the supervision of the Director of the Intellectual Property Clinic, Jonathan D’Silva, registered Patent Attorney.

The clinic is supported by 6-10 Penn State Law students and 2 summer interns, allowing the clinic to remain open year round.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CLINIC

 

Patent Pro Bono Program

In collaboration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, we are excited to offer qualified applicants a chance to work directly with volunteer, licensed patent attorneys and agents to prepare and file formal patent applications.

* This path does require participants and their inventions to meet specific, outlined requirements in order to be accepted.

REVIEW PROGRAM QUALIFICATIONS

How to get started

Getting started is easy! Just complete the application form and our team will be in touch to let you know which path will be the most appropriate based on your qualifications and needs.
Apply Now

USPTO Pro Bono Program – volunteering opportunity

If you are a patent attorney or agent interested in volunteering for the Pro Bono Program, click HERE to learn how you can get started. 

Restrictions

The Clinic is limited solely to intellectual property matters and will not be involved in dispute resolution, whether through litigation, enforcement, or otherwise. The Clinic cannot advise on any situation that is not related to intellectual property.

Interested in learning about our Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic?

Check it out