Monday, September 24, 2018
Wed, 19 Sep 2018
Associate Dean Timothy Todd
Liberty University School of Law is proud to announce the addition of an intellectual property law clinic to its expanding clinical opportunities for students. The clinic, which opened August 28, 2018, is the second United States Patent and Trademark Office approved law school clinic in Virginia. The clinic provides students with practical skills and real-world experience in assisting clients with their intellectual property needs. Areas of emphasis include copyright, trademark, and trade secret protection. The clinic offers these services pro bono to a select group of clients, including new businesses, existing businesses under a certain size and revenue threshold, veteran-run businesses, and Christian ministries.
Under the leadership of the clinic’s director, Professor Andrew Connors, clinic students counsel clients on a variety of intellectual property matters and assist clients with obtaining federal registered trademarks and copyrights. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has certified the clinic for trademark practice, permitting students to execute legal documents with the office as if they were a practicing attorney.
Andrew P. Connors, Esq. is proud to lead the clinic and excited to help the community and the law school. A 2010 alumnus of the law school, he is an experienced intellectual property counselor and litigator. As managing partner of Connors & Brenke, which has offices throughout Virginia, Connors is proud to bring his years of experience to the law school he loves for a subject he holds dear. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Liberty Law, teaching courses in Trademark Law and Practice and Intellectual Property, in addition to directing the Intellectual Property Clinic.
“The addition of the Intellectual Property Clinic marks another milestone in the maturation of our young law school,” said B. Keith Faulkner, dean of Liberty University School of Law. “We are continuously examining the ever-changing legal marketplace for areas of growth for our students. In an increasingly complex business world, experience in assisting actual clients with their Intellectual Property needs will allow our graduates to enter practice ready to make an impact for their clients.”Associate Dean Timothy M. Todd stated that “We are proud to have this clinical opportunity available to our law students and community. This clinic advances our mission of skills-based legal training and offers our students practical experience in a great practice area.”
Businesses or other persons interested in becoming a client of the clinic may email ipclinic@liberty.edu for more information and eligibility requirements. The clinic does not represent clients in litigation or other disputes, nor does it draft or prosecute patent applications with the USPTO. Qualifying business, ministries, and other persons work with the clinic with the intent of eventually “graduating” from the program and establishing a paid relationship with a for-profit law firm. The clinic reserves the right to reject representation for any reason or no reason at all and may decline representation on subject matter inconsistent with Liberty University’s Christian mission.