Emory’s IP and Innovation Clinic provides Emory Law students valuable, hands-on experience assisting clients in taking an idea from the beginning stages of conception to an issued patent. With supervision from Emory faculty and partner law firm attorneys, students will counsel clients going through the patent process and advocate on their clients’ behalf before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The Emory IP and Innovation Clinic is one of a select few law school clinics specifically authorized by the USPTO to allow students to practice before the USPTO prior to taking the patent bar exam. Students will meet with and counsel clients seeking patent protection for their innovations. Where appropriate, students will draft and prosecute patent applications and related documents on their clients’ behalf. All work will be done on a pro bono basis.
The Clinic is operating in partnership with the Georgia PATENTS program of Georgia Lawyers for the Arts (https://gapatents.org) and will only accept select clients who have been vetted through that program. If you are an inventor seeking patent services from our clinic, you must go through https://gapatents.org in order to be considered for clinic services. If you contact the clinic directly you will be directed to Georgia PATENTS for ALL questions.
Support the IP and Innovation Clinic. Give Today! »
I am thrilled to have the support of the USPTO in making this opportunity available to our students. This clinic will add to the robust education in intellectual property topics that we make available at Emory Law.
For more information on the USPTO Law School Clinic Certification Program and a list of law school clinics, visit the USPTO webpage.
The Application Process
Clinic Application: Applications will be accepted through Symplicity (Jobs > Clinics).
The Clinic enrolls up to 6 second- and third-year JD students each semester, during which students earn three credit hours towards graduation. Due to USPTO requirements, clinic students must be eligible to sit for the USPTO Registration exam to become either a Patent Practitioner or a Design Patent Practitioner. Eligibility requirements are available here. LLM students are not eligible to participate unless they have completed the full 1L JD law school year curriculum.
Please submit:
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Unofficial law school transcript
Schedule for Fall 2025
- Student Application Period: February 12 – February 26, 2025
- Interview Period: March 4 – March 22, 2025
- Offers Released: March 25, 2025
- Deadline to Respond to Offers: March 28, 2025
Please reach out to shreeca.lott@emory.edu with questions.
Student Testimonials
Grant Brunson 25L: Participating in the patent clinic was a highlight of my law school experience. I had the opportunity to improve my claim drafting skills alongside experienced patent attorneys and develop client management abilities while working with inventors seeking to protect their innovations.
Jack Lowenthal 25L: The patent clinic was an incredible experience that not only demystified patent prosecution but also offered valuable connections and lessons that go far beyond what can be taught in a classroom.
Usayd Siddiqi 25L: As someone committed to IP litigation, patent prosecution has always seemed daunting, even as someone with an engineering background. However, one semester of the IP and Innovation Clinic took away my fear. I used to always hear prosecution experience makes you a better litigator, but I can now attest to it.