Intellectual Property Law Institute 2026

IPLI Summer 2026

The IPLI is a trailblazing intellectual property and tech law immersion program. Each year, the IPLI selects up to 30 law students from across the country through a blind, merit-based application process to participate in this highly selective and competitive program.

Scholars spend a week in Washington, D.C., engaging in substantive educational programming, hands-on practical experiences, and enhanced professional development opportunities, including:

Writing and interviewing workshops
Resume review prior to Mock Interview Night
Mentorship pairings with at least one sponsor mentor and one alumni mentor

Participants visit U.S. government institutions such as the Patent and Trademark Office, Copyright Office, House and Senate Judiciary Committees, United States International Trade Commission, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. They also attend briefings from leading intellectual property and tech law practitioners.

Recent program highlights include:

A private lecture in the Supreme Court of the United States
Partnership with the Motion Picture Association

The program, including travel to and from Washington, D.C., accommodations, and meals, is fully funded by the Institute and its sponsors. This is not a fundraising event; it is presented solely for educational purposes.

Questions? Email us at ipli@hnba.com.

View IPLI2026 Agenda 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 IPLI2026 must be received by Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Late submissions will not be considered.

5. When will I find out if I was selected?

Participants are typically notified in the early spring. For specific inquiries, email 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 IPLI2026 taking place?

The program will take place in Washington, DC between May 31 - June 6, 2026. Scholars will be housed at American University. Travel expenses are covered by IPLI.

10. How competitive is the selection process?

Selection is highly competitive. The program accepts up to 30 scholars each year on a blind, merit-based selection process. Eligible candidates are considered based on their academic performance, passion for IP/Tech/Bio-Tech law, and demonstrated commitment to the Hispanic community.

11. What is the cost of attending IPLI?

The program is free for selected scholars. Travel (air or train), lodging, and meals during the week-long program are fully covered by the Institute and its sponsors. Scholars are responsible for luggage, transportation to/from airport, and any personal expenses.

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.

13. How can I request time off from my summer employer to attend IPLI during the first week of June?

Many IPLI Scholars successfully participate while working in summer positions. To support you, we’ve drafted a letter you can share with your employer that explains the purpose of IPLI and highlights how the program strengthens your legal training. You can download that letter [here] and provide it to your employer when requesting approval for the week of the program.

Corporate Sponsors

Law Firm Sponsors

HOW TO APPLY

Admission to the program is highly competitive. Each year, up to 30 highly competitive applicants are selected to participate, engaging with leaders in the legal field and gaining insights from institutions like SCOTUS, CAFC, USPTO, Copyright Office, FTC, and ITC. Mentorship is provided throughout the year.

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

A current 1L or 2L;
Active HNBA law student membership (free to sign up HERE);
Have a demonstrated interest in intellectual property or tech law as potential practice areas; and
Must be in good standing at an ABA accredited law school pursuing a Juris Doctor (LLM candidates are considered).

Please upload the following documents (PDF ONLY):

Your most recent law school transcript
Your current resume
Personal Statement: The IPLI Selection Committee endeavors to select IPLI Scholars in a holistic manner. In three pages or less (double spaced), please tell us:
1. Why you are interested in intellectual property and technology law, and whether you have any specific professional goals with your law degree;
2. Whether you have had significant hardships that you have had to overcome in life, in getting to law school, in law school or in your prior education;
3. If there are any special family or personal circumstances that have affected your ability to achieve to your fullest potential;
4. How you have been involved with, and given back to, the Hispanic community; and
5. What you are passionate about.

*If you would like to be notified about program updates, please join our mailing list HERE.

For Immediate Release: Introducing the IPLI Class of 2026 — 26 Exceptional Scholars
May 7, 2026

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.