Advanced Patent and Licensing Clinic

Advanced Patent and Licensing Clinic involves many of the same projects as the Patent and Licensing Clinic, but in this clinic and dependent on available work scope, the student may have the opportunity to work exclusively with a patent attorney drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications (and associated tasks like prior art searches and evaluations, meeting with faculty inventors, preparing information disclosure statements, etc.) or working exclusively with a licensing manager to draft license agreements, negotiate licensing terms and conditions, prepare agreements and marketing documents. In some instances the students may work with the patent attorney researching and writing one or more memos on current legal topics in patent prosecution, litigation, and licensing. Clinic participants may also evaluate inventions and computer software for patentability and commercial value; counsel U.Va. faculty inventors regarding patentability, inventorship, licensing, and the patenting process; prepare, file, and prosecute U.S. patent applications; deal with patent examiners; and research current issues in the fields of intellectual property and technology transfer. Some exposure to international patent applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty may be possible. Resolution of disputes with licensees and possible infringers may be undertaken where appropriate. Class sessions will be held weekly throughout the semester in the office of University of Virginia Licensing & Ventures Group about two to three hours per week. The requirements are the same as for the Patent and Licensing Clinic, which is also a prerequisite. Students will be asked to provide the instructor with a statement relating to technical, industry, and legal background and employment.