Welcome to IPLAC

Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago | Chicago, IL

IPLAC is the bar association in Chicago for lawyers, patent agents and paralegals who want to be part of the conversation on innovation and technology.

IPLAC is at the forefront of innovation on the Chicago scene and is the place where practitioners come together to stay ahead of the curve, make an impact in their community, and network with other forward-thinking thought leaders.

 

 

 

If you want to be at the forefront of the Chicago tech and innovation scene, network with the movers and shakers of the legal profession, and

make an impact in your work, profession and community, then you should become a Member of IPLAC.

JOIN IPLAC

IPLAC's Purpose & Mission

Being a member of IPLAC means that you act with intention and purpose to serve your community and serve others.

IPLAC's northstar is to amplify intellectual property issues and adjacent practice areas in the Chicago community. IPLAC does this by:

  • Offering cutting edge continuing education opportunities so you can stay ahead of the curve
  • Creating a best-in-class membership base that promotes networking and relationship development among its professionals
  • Promoting ethics and professionalism among its members, the bar and the Chicago community

IPLAC's mission is to serve YOU.  IPLAC stands out because of its membership base, and our strategic mission is to provide the most value to every member, every day. Here's how:

  • Virtual events -- lots of social events to get to know others + even more CLE events to stay current
  • Advocacy -- we're the only bar organization of our kind in Chicago that routinely files amicus curie briefs with SCOTUS
  • Leadership opportunities -- make yourself known in Chicago and build a strong reputation in the community by engaging in one of the many ways IPLAC offers
  • People -- our members make us special and different and these are the folks with tomorrow's job openings and the beat on what's new
Join Us in 2021
  • Fireside Chat with Judge Kathleen O'Malley on Jan. 28th
  • IPLAC Break Time - Ask Me Anything on Feb. 4th
  • Careers in IP for STEM Students on Feb. 8th
  • IPLAC - JPAA Joint Event on Feb. 17th
  • Self-Defense Class on Feb. 23rd
  • Drafting US Applications With Foreign Filings In Mind and Responding to Foreign Office Actions on Feb. 26th
  • Trade Secrets Summit - Part I on March 18th
  • Joint Event with The Linn Inn on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion on March 18th
  • Harmonizing Individual Decision-Making Differences on March 24th
  • Book Discussion on We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta-Nehisi Coates on March 31st
  • Virtual Patent Law Career Planning event on April 14th

A Warm & Heartfelt Thank YOU to Our 2020 Annual Symposium Sponsors

Brinks Gilson & Lione
Haynes & Boone
McAndrews Held & Malloy
McDonald Hopkins
Torchman IP    

 
 

 IPLAC Submits Comments to USPTO on Secondary Trademark Infringement Liability in the E-Commerce Setting

IPLAC's Trademark & Anti-Counterfeiting Committee, led by:

  • Liz Brodzinski of Banner & Witcoff,
  • Karen Hwang of KSH Law Group, and
  • Mat Kresz of CTLG Group

Prepared and submitted comments to the USPTO regarding recommended considerations for secondary trademark infringement liability for e-commerce players.  The Committee recommended the following areas to be worthy of consideration:

  • The SHOP SAFE Act of 2020
  • A Standardized Counterfeit Takedown Process
  • A Review of the Federal Legal Standard, and
  • Re-aligning Incentives for Platforms to Address the Direct Counterfeiter

CONGRATULATIONS to the Trademark & Anti-Counterfeiting Committee and you can read the Comments here.

 

                                 

 

 

 

Congratulations To IPLAC Members For Their Work In The Community 

 

Long-time IPLAC member and champion Alejandro Menchaca of McAndrews Held & Malloy, Ltd. was awarded the 2020 Advocate for Diversity Award by the Diversity Award Foundation.

 

The USPTO announced the elevation of IPLAC Member and prior Board Member Jomarie Fredericks of Rotary International to the Trademark Public Advisory Committee.

 

 

Support the IPLAC Educational Foundation

IPLAC is committed to serving and developing the next generation of leaders. The IPLAC Educational Foundation mission is to encourage and support Chicago Public School students in the study of engineering, science and the law.

Since its founding in 1991, the Foundation has provided 78 scholarships totaling more than $360,000 to deserving CPS high school students.

Donate by shopping on Amazon by designating the IPLAC Educational Foundation as your charity of choice on Amazon Smile here.