Seattle University School of Law, through its Technology, Innovation Law, and Ethics (TILE) Program, is partnering with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to offer a new program to offer free legal assistance to inventors.
The Washington State-TILE Patent Pro Bono Hub will provide qualified low-income inventors with experienced attorneys to help with the filing and prosecution of patent applications. Inventors can apply for assistance using an online form. While legal services are provided at no cost, inventors are responsible for any associated USPTO fees.
"This Hub furthers the mission of the law school and the university by providing an avenue for inclusion to those who might be disadvantaged economically from participating in the knowledge economy,” said TILE Program Co-Director and Professor Margaret Chon, the Donald and Lynda Horowitz Endowed Chair for the Pursuit of Justice. “TILE already has a trademark prosecution clinic certified by the USPTO, and this is our second USPTO affiliation. We are proud to be an academic partner with the USPTO.”
The Hub, which just recently launched, is also actively recruiting patent attorneys or agents who are interested in volunteering. The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) recognizes the Hub as a qualified legal service provider; volunteer attorneys can earn Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) credit by self-reporting pro bono service hours via the WSBA MCLE website. Law firms also may be recognized by the USPTO for their pro bono work in connection with the Hub. More information is posted on Seattle U Law’s website.
“This program provides patent attorneys with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the lives of aspiring inventors who might otherwise lack access to essential legal services,” Chon said.
The TILE Program at Seattle U Law allows students pursuing JD, Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Laws (LLM), and Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) degrees to learn about the legal disciplines and ethical principles needed for a career in one of the many technology-related areas of law.
The program includes: more than 30 tech-focused courses and legal clinics; dozens of internships and externships at some of the leading tech companies in the world, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Expedia; multiple student organizations that pertain to technology; a student journal; and numerous professional opportunities in the sector.