Finnegan’s ‘IP University’ Aims to Expand Patent Pipeline Sooner

Bloomberg Law highlighted Finnegan’s IP University, an introductory program to intellectual property (IP) for undergraduate and graduate students. The program aimed to increase diversity and teach students in STEM multiple pathways to approach the field of IP law. The inaugural Finnegan IP University program received around 100 applicants and had attendees from 57 universities and countries. 

Finnegan partner and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO) Esther Lim stated “We were overwhelmed with the level of strong interest...It really gave us a strong message that there is great interest out there if we can get the message out and make the pipeline accessible to interested potential students.”

She added that when Finnegan attorneys teach at Howard Law School, many have encountered students who wished they had known about IP law sooner. Esther said, “We often have students express disappointment that they did not know about a career option in IP before they finished their undergraduate program...and that they would have considered continuing with STEM degrees if had they known that it was an option.”

Finnegan managing partner Anand Sharma added that most Finnegan attorneys were not aware of the field of IP law during undergrad. He emphasized that the program exposed students to careers in IP (such as the Technical Specialist role) even if they decide not to attend law school. Anand said, “Based on what we’ve seen, the hope would be that we continue to have students across the country continue to be involved and express an interest...As long as that continues, it’s fulfilling in and of itself just to expose undergraduates.”

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