Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago

Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago
Name	Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago
Abbreviation	A regional bar association
Formation	1880s (chartered in 1880s)
Type	Professional association
Headquarters	Chicago, Illinois
Region served	Chicago metropolitan area, Midwest
Leader title	President

Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago

The Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago is a professional association for practitioners in the fields of patent law, trademark law, copyright law, and related intellectual property practice in the Chicago metropolitan area. Founded in the late 19th century, the organization brought together inventors, patent attorneys, and corporate counsel from institutions and firms across Illinois and the broader Midwest, fostering connections among litigators, in-house counsel, and academic scholars. It has maintained active relationships with bar associations, academic centers, and federal institutions to influence practice standards and continuing legal education.

History

The Association traces roots to the post-Civil War expansion of industrial innovation in Chicago, concurrent with national developments such as the passage of the Patent Act of 1836 and later amendments shaping practice before the United States Patent Office. Early membership included counsel from firms engaged with railroads like the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad and manufacturers tied to the World's Columbian Exposition. Over decades, the group navigated changes from the Copyright Act of 1909 to the Copyright Act of 1976, and adapted to landmark judicial shifts from the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit decisions to Supreme Court rulings in cases akin to Sony Corp. of America v. Universal City Studios, Inc. and Mayo Collaborative Services v. Prometheus Laboratories, Inc.. The Association has periodically collaborated with law schools such as University of Chicago Law School, Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, and Loyola University Chicago School of Law to respond to evolving doctrine in patent eligibility, trademark dilution, and fair use.

Mission and Activities

The Association’s stated mission centers on professional development, ethical practice, and advocacy for robust intellectual property protections compatible with innovation ecosystems. It advances those goals through continuing legal education aligned with requirements of the Illinois State Bar Association and coordination with national bodies like the American Bar Association Section of Intellectual Property. Activities include fostering dialogue on legislation such as amendments related to the Leahy–Smith America Invents Act and monitoring administrative practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. The Association also engages with judicial administration topics relevant to the Northern District of Illinois and appellate strategy before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Membership and Governance

Membership historically spans private practitioners, corporate IP departments at companies like Sears, Roebuck and Company and newer technology firms, patent agents registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and academics from programs such as DePaul University College of Law. Governance follows a board structure with elected officers including president, vice president, treasurer, and committees modeled after counterparts in organizations like the New York Intellectual Property Law Association and the California Lawyers Association. Committee work addresses litigation, prosecution, ethics, and legislative affairs, often engaging practitioners who have appeared before tribunals including the Supreme Court of the United States and the Federal Circuit.

Programs and Events

The Association organizes programs ranging from monthly lunch forums and CLE seminars to multi-day symposia, often featuring speakers drawn from firms such as Kirkland & Ellis, Sidley Austin, and in-house counsel from corporations like AbbVie and Walgreens Boots Alliance. Events frequently examine precedent from cases like Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank International and policies from agencies such as the United States International Trade Commission. Signature events have included annual patent law conferences, trademark roundtables, pro bono clinics partnering with institutions like Chicago-Kent College of Law, and networking receptions attended by members from regional organizations such as the Chicago Bar Association and national groups including the Intellectual Property Owners Association.

Publications and Awards

The Association produces newsletters and white papers summarizing developments in patent eligibility, trademark registration practice, and copyright litigation, echoing formats used by publications like the Harvard Journal of Law & Technology and the George Washington Law Review. Members contribute articles addressing Supreme Court decisions, Federal Circuit rulings, and PTO rulemakings. The Association also administers awards recognizing excellence in practice, scholarship, and public service, honoring recipients who may be affiliated with institutions like the American Intellectual Property Law Association or law faculties at University of Illinois Chicago.

Partnerships and Community Outreach

Partnerships extend to law schools, bar associations, and nonprofit entities to support pro bono representation, patent clinics, and outreach to inventors in underrepresented communities. Collaborative partners have included the United States Patent and Trademark Office regional office, innovation centers such as Chicago Innovation Exchange, and civic institutions like the Chicago Public Library. Community outreach initiatives promote entrepreneurship and education about intellectual property to participants from incubators, technology accelerators, and arts organizations including museums and galleries in the Chicago Loop.

Category:Intellectual property organizations in the United States