Law Center News
Southern University Law Center’s Technology and Entrepreneurship Clinic Empowers Students and Entrepreneurs Through Real-World Legal Practice
As a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)-certified clinic, Southern University Law Center’s Technology and Entrepreneurship Clinic reached a major milestone this spring by successfully issuing 22 licenses to students, authorizing them to practice before the Agency. Demonstrating its commitment to innovation and equitable access, the Clinic also published its first lecture guide, which was distributed to students at no cost.
Throughout the semester, Clinic students engaged in a range of impactful legal matters, including conducting a privacy and publicity review for a published author, advising a software developer on business formation and employment agreements, and assisting an inventor seeking a patent for a new invention. They also provided trademark strategy and compliance support to a local barber, counseled a product designer on copyright issues, and supported several other local businesses with trademark and business planning needs.
A standout project involved preparing a formal response to a final refusal from a USPTO trademark examiner—an opportunity that gave students valuable experience and strong professional writing samples. In recognition of the graduating student attorneys who contributed to this work, the Clinic hosted a reception following its Pro Bono Clinic Day, during which students offered legal guidance to local entrepreneurs. Two of the organizations served that day were later accepted as full Clinic clients.
Through these real-world experiences, the Clinic continues to empower students and support community growth across Louisiana.
To learn more about our Tech Clinic, contact Marina A. Biragova, executive director, managing attorney at mbiragova@sulc.edu.