American Intellectual Property Law Education Foundation

In January 2001, the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), a national bar association founded in 1897, formed what is now the American Intellectual Property Law Education Foundation (AIPLEF). Its mission is:

The Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Intellectual Property Law Scholarships

Because of the central role intellectual property (patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyrights) will have on the future of our country and the world, it is critical that the legal profession serving this strategic area strive mightily to reflect the rich diversity of our great nation. Therefore, the Foundation Board decided to take as one of its central missions, activities which would help to increase diversity in the IP bar.

The first initiative of the Foundation was the establishment of the Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Intellectual Property Law Scholarships. The goal of these scholarships is to increase the number of under-represented minority groups serving as intellectual property law practitioners in law firms and the intellectual property law departments in corporations. Since April 2002, the Foundation has been awarding a number of $10,000 Scholarships to minority scholars as well as arranging internships and mentorships to assist under-represented minority law school students intending to practice intellectual property law. The scholarships are named in honor of Sidney B. Williams, Jr. who was the first African-American to hold major leadership roles in both the AIPLA and the ABA-IPL Section and who has and continues to give countless hours and boundless energies to influence minority students looking for a future in science and engineering to pursue law school and intellectual property law. He is a role model for all young lawyers.

Read More on the Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholarships

The Jan Jancin Award

In 2003, when the National Conference of Intellectual Property Law Association dissolved, its assets were transferred to the Foundation to perpetuate the NCIPLA’s legacy in supporting the Jan Jancin Award. The AIPLEF has undertaken to administer the Jan Jancin award on behalf of the AIPLA and the ABA-IPL Section of Intellectual Property Law. The Award is given to an outstanding third year law student who has demonstrated excellence in the area of intellectual property by the AIPLEF, the AIPLA and the ABA-IPL section. The award is given in honor of the late Jan Jancin, who served not only as President of AIPLA and Chair of the ABA-IPL Section, but served with distinction in other leadership roles in other intellectual property law associations, nationally and internationally, including the NCIPLA. Students of IP law and growth in quality IP law education were keen interests of Mr. Jancin. Additionally, he was a persistent and perceptive observer of the legislative process as it related to all aspects of IP law, and regularly reported to members of the NCIPLA on those activities. The current award is $5,000.

Read More on the Jan Jancin Award

Officers & Trustees