Lana Ivory Lee ‘23 was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Intellectual Property Law Clinic Award, designed to celebrate a student who has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in the clinical practice of intellectual property law. She was awarded on August 1, 2023.

The Fort Lee, New Jersey native worked in the Intellectual Property Law Clinic during the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters and, notably, worked to re-establish the federal trademark registration for the American Archtop brand of guitars with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

“Working at the Intellectual Property Law Clinic has been a transformative experience, both professionally and personally,” Lee says. “I am truly humbled to receive this award and deeply grateful for this remarkable honor.”

Directed by Professor of Law John Kettle, the clinic offers intellectual property and entertainment law advice and assistance to non-profit entities, authors, artists, inventors, start-ups, and others, covering topics from copyrights and trademarks to patents and licenses.

“Ms. Lee demonstrated a remarkable level of knowledge and proficiency in serving the various needs of the clients assigned to her,” Kettle says. “She consistently went above and beyond in also assisting her clinical colleagues, and developed and shared systems and methods of conducting the work of the clinic in a more efficient and effective manner, which will be used in the clinic going forward.”

This award is a prestigious first step for Lee, who hopes to pursue a career in intellectual property law. “I will forever cherish this recognition,” she says, “and this award will serve as a reminder to continue striving for excellence.”