Pro Bono EntreprenHERship Clinic Continues to Draw Large Turnout

INTA hosted its fifth virtual Pro Bono EntreprenHERship Clinic on March 8 in conjunction with International Women’s Day. Spearheaded by INTA’s Pro Bono Committee, the virtual clinic drew more than 80 participants, making it one of INTA’s best-attended virtual clinics to date. The clinic offered free access to legal information related to trademarks and other intellectual property rights targeted to female entrepreneurs and business owners.

The one-hour event drew more than 48 volunteer attorneys from at least 30 law firms in 12 countries, as well as 34 applicants from three countries. The applicants, all women entrepreneurs and small business owners, signed up for the opportunity to meet with INTA member volunteers to discuss a range of topics related to trademark clearance and prosecution.

INTA kicked off the event with a video presentation featuring Sara Weston, founder and executive director of 911der Women, a nonprofit organization based in Florida, USA, which provides mental health and wellness resources, training, career development, outreach, research, and other programming to female emergency responders. The video embraced the Pro Bono EntreprenHERship Clinic’s mission to help connect female business owners with access to much-needed resources in the form of legal counsel to set them on the road to success.

Following introductory remarks, attorneys and applicants were paired up and moved into breakout rooms for individual consultations. Participant enthusiasm was evident from the many comments in the chat function, describing the experience as “inspiring,” “insightful,” “amazing,” “most helpful,” and “extremely resourceful.” Many participants also commented that the virtual clinic was a great way to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Shalinthia Miles, an applicant from Brooklyn, New York, USA, appreciated that the clinic provided no-cost, direct access to trademark professionals. She herself was inspired by her assigned volunteer. Ms. Miles left the virtual clinic “feel[ing] more confident on the next steps to take in terms of pursuing a trademark.”

Pro Bono Committee member Beverly Marsh (Standley Law Group LLP, USA) was equally impressed with the clinic and her assigned applicant, commenting that Ms. Miles “inspired [her] with her energy and drive as she discussed her business and how she wants it to grow.” The two shared a productive conversation about trademarks, including how the application process works and when to file.

Anna K. Robinson (Ford Motor Co., USA), also currently serving on the Pro Bono Committee, found the clinic to be “very rewarding.” Ms. Robinson was able to give her applicant clear direction on the trademark selection and clearance process, which she could apply directly to her small business, and stated that she “highly recommend[s] participating in one of these INTA pro bono clinics from an attorney/counselor perspective.”

Year-round, INTA’s Pro Bono Clearinghouse provides legal assistance upon request. The Clearinghouse serves low-income individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and not-for-profit, nonprofit, or charitable organizations with low operating budgets which might not otherwise have affordable access to legal assistance. Potential clients must have a valid trademark issue and demonstrate financial need.

Eligible clients facing trademark issues are matched with member attorneys who volunteer to provide services free of charge. A global initiative, it is the only program of its kind dedicated primarily to trademarks.

For business owners looking to get help or INTA members who would like to get involved as volunteers, the Clearinghouse accepts applications from anywhere in the world. Potential applicants and attorneys can access applications on INTA’s website, as well as learn about future INTA pro bono clinics and services, whether virtually or in person.

Learn more about INTA’s pro bono resources, including the Pro Bono Clearinghouse.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

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