The Clinical Law Program of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law is one of the country's largest teaching law firms.
The Law School's nationally recognized clinical law and experiential learning programs reflect our strong belief that effective legal training must combine classroom teaching with real-life lawyering experiences Approximately 100 student attorneys working under the supervision of 20 clinical faculty make up our clinics each spring and fall semester.
WHAT WE DO
The Intellectual Property and Entrepreneurship Clinic (“IPEC”) provides pro bono assistance with a wide variety of intellectual property and business law issues. Law students will explore intellectual property needs with clients and will assist them in building various aspects of an IP portfolio. Students perform patentability searches and draft patentability opinions relating to the scope of protection a client might be able to receive if it filed a patent application; in appropriate situations, the student will then prepare and file provisional and non-provisional utility applications and design applications. Students also conduct trademark clearance searches, prepare written clearance opinions, and file trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”). The clinic participates in the USPTO's Law School Clinic Certification Program, giving students limited recognition to practice before the office while they are in the clinic. In addition, students consult with clients on copyright issues and file copyright registrations with the U.S. Copyright Office. Students also counsel clients on the protection of confidential and trade secret information, and they draft nondisclosure agreements and IP licenses.
Students will also provide clients with a range of corporate and business law services, including assistance with business entity selection and formation, drafting charter documents, and preparing founder and shareholder agreements. The clinic will assist with regulatory matters, obtaining business permits, and business operation issues (e.g., drafting and reviewing service contracts, manufacturing agreements, and strategic partnerships). For companies interested in seeking outside investment, the IPEC will review term sheets and advise clients on financing arrangements. The clinic may also provide counseling on tax implications of various actions and may provide assistance with obtaining non-profit or benefit status.
DIRECTOR
Patricia Campbell, J.D., LL.M.
Director, Maryland Intellectual Property Legal Resource Center