Welcome to HIPLA

The Houston Intellectual Property Law Association is an organization of intellectual property lawyers, patent agents, and law student affiliates primarily in the Houston, Texas area. Through regular meetings, sponsored CLE opportunities, and amicus briefs, HIPLA promotes the development and understanding of intellectual property law.

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2023 Fall Institute in Galveston, TX


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The Thirty-Ninth Annual Institute on Intellectual Property Law will be held on Thursday, October 5th, starting mid-day, through Saturday, October 7th, ending mid-day, 2023, at the Moody Gardens hotel.

This is a major continuing legal education ("CLE") event attracting several hundred intellectual property professionals from across Texas and the nation, and is held in conjunction with the University of Houston Institute for Intellectual Property & Information Law ("IPIL").  Link to the IPIL event website here (including FAQ).

This year's conference includes:
  • Keynote Speaker: Andrei Iancu, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
  • Diversity Breakfast Speaker: Kathleen Dohmlo, SABIC
  • Judicial Panel: The Hon. Charles Eskridge (SDTX) and The Hon. K. Nicole Mitchell (EDTX)
Review past programs at the IPIL archive: here.

Luncheon with USPTO Commissioner

It was an honor to welcome Vaishali Udupa, USPTO Commissioner for Patents, to our luncheon last week on April 6, in conjunction with the The Honorable Nancy F. Atlas Intellectual Property American Inn of Court. As a community of IP professionals, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to hear from Commissioner Udupa on the latest developments and initiatives at the USPTO.

Commissioner Udupa shared valuable insights on the USPTO's efforts to improve patent quality and enhance the overall patent examination process. She also discussed the agency's commitment to increasing diversity and inclusion in the field of IP.

It was an excellent opportunity for the HIPLA members to engage with Commissioner Udupa and learn about the USPTO's efforts to promote innovation and strengthen the nation's intellectual property system. We are grateful for her time and insight and look forward to continuing our collaboration with the USPTO.

Thank you, Commissioner Udupa, for your visit and for your ongoing dedication to advancing the field of intellectual property.


HIPLA FILES AMICUS BRIEF IN THE US SUPREME COURT

HIPLA filed an amicus brief in American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. v. Neapco Holdings LLC et al.  In American Axle, the issue presented was whether the patent-in-suit, drawn to a mechanical product—a drive shaft with reduced vibration—was patent-eligible because it implemented a law of nature.  HIPLA’s amicus brief is in support of petitioner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., and can be downloaded here.

CALLING ALL PATENT AGENTS

Registered Patent Agents, Patent Engineers*, Technical/Scientific Advisors*, and Intellectual Property Managers*: We want to hear from you! What can HIPLA do for you? What would you like to see more of from the organization? What events and activities would benefit you? Please send your ideas/suggestions to Brandon Hudder and Valerie Moore, the co-chairs of HIPLA’s new Patent Agent & Intellectual Property Managers Committee, hipla.pac@gmail.com

We will also be hosting events in 2022 specifically targeting patent agents to discuss your ideas and to network with your peers. More details to come soon!

*HIPLA membership is limited to registered patent agents and attorneys in good standing with any state bar who practice IP law; student and retired status memberships are also available.

If you have questions about HIPLA, please contact the HIPLA secretary. If you have questions about this website or would like to notify us about IP events to be added to our calendar, please contact the HIPLA Website Chair.

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