2025 HNBA/VIA INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW INSTITUTE™ (IPLI™)
June 1 - 7, 2025 - Washington, DC
The IPLI is a trailblazing intellectual property and tech law immersion program. Each year the IPLI selects up to 30 students from law schools across the country to participate in a robust intellectual property immersion and tech law program. Admittance to the program is highly selective and competitive.
Scholars spend a week in Washington D.C. and participate in substantive educational programming, hands-on practical experiences, writing and interviewing workshops, and mentoring and networking opportunities. Scholars visit U.S. government institutions, including the Patent and Trademark Office, Copyright Office, House and Senate Judiciary Committee, United States International Trade Commission, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In addition, they attend briefings from leading intellectual property and tech law practitioners and congressional and executive branch authorities. The program, travel to and from Washington, D.C., accommodations and meals are funded and provided by the Institute and its many sponsors.
This program is not a fundraising event and is presented for educational purposes only.
Questions? Email Carla Martin, HNBA/VIA Director of Programs, at cmartin@hnba.com.
COVID-19 POLICY:
Attendance at the in-person IPLI2024 shall be at your own risk. All attendees understand that vaccination against the COVID-19 virus will be left to individual attendees. HNBA/VIA makes no representations or warranties with respect to the vaccination status of those in attendance. HNBA/VIA will use best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations. Please refer to the HNBA/VIA COVID-19 Participation Policy & Waiver HERE.
HNBA/VIA ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY AND CODE OF CONDUCT
The Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, national organization that values fairness, equality, respect for the law, and high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among its members and within the legal community. The HNBA VIA (“Vision in Action”) Fund is the HNBA’s 503(c)(3) charitable and programmatic arm. The HNBA/VIA joint enterprise strives to create a professional environment for all, and to build a community free of harassment and discrimination. HNBA/VIA seeks to have its members, volunteers, guests, and employees treat all individuals with dignity by upholding the values of fairness, equality, and respect for the rights of others. These values are expressed in the way HNBA/VIA members, volunteers, guests, and employees conduct themselves. Click here to read HNBA/VIA’s Anti-Harassment Policy and Code of Conduct in its entirety.
To access the Inappropriate Conduct Complaint Form, please CLICK HERE.
FAQs
1. What is the HNBA/VIA Intellectual Property Law Institute (IPLI™)?
The IPLI is a highly selective program that offers law students an immersive experience in intellectual property, technology, and bio-pharma law. IPLI has brought ~25 Scholars to Washington, DC for a week-long intensive experience that educates and exposes them to all aspects of practicing IP law.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
Candidates must be a current 1L or 2L and be in good standing at an ABA accredited law
school. The program prioritizes candidates with a demonstrated interest in intellectual property
or technology law. Specific application requirements are outlined on the application page HERE.
3. What is the application process?
Applicants must submit a complete application, including a personal statement, resume, and
recent law school transcript. Deadlines and other detailed requirements are listed HERE.
4. When are applications due?
All application materials for IPLI2025 must be received by February 7, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET.
Late applications will not be considered.
5. When will I find out if I was selected?
Participants are typically notified in April. For specific inquiries, email Carla Martin at
cmartin@hnba.com or ipli@hnba.com.
6. May I participate if I have an internship or job during the summer?
Yes, many scholars arrange to take the week off from their internships or summer jobs to attend
IPLI. Scholars are encouraged to discuss their participation with their employers beforehand. A letter explaining the program's benefits is available to facilitate these discussions HERE.
7. Are scholarships available?
Yes, IPLI Scholars may qualify for scholarships, including assistance for the Patent Bar
preparatory course or state Bar prep. For eligibility and application requirements, visit the scholarship section HERE.
8. What are the benefits of participating in IPLI?
Participants gain:
- A week of intensive learning in Washington, DC
- Mentorship and networking with professionals in IP/Tech law
- Opportunities for scholarships, including support for Bar preparation
9. When and where is IPLI2025 taking place?
The program will take place in Washington, DC between June 1st – 7th. Scholars will be housed at American University.
10. How competitive is the selection process?
Selection is highly competitive. The program accepts ~25 scholars each year based on their academic performance, passion for IP/Tech/Bio-Tech law, and commitment to the Hispanic community.
11. What is the cost of attending IPLI?
The program is free for selected scholars. Travel, lodging, and meals during the week-long program are fully covered by the Institute and its sponsors.
12. How do I stay informed about updates?
Join the HNBA mailing list HERE or follow HNBA on social media platforms like LinkedIn,
Twitter, and Instagram.