Center for Intellectual Property, Information and Privacy Law
Our Mission
Leading the way in intellectual property legal education since 1940, the Center for Intellectual Property, Information & Privacy Law remains one of the nation’s leading IP and privacy educators. In addition to nationally recognized IP programs, the Center also offers degree specializations in information technology and privacy law.
Signature Center Events
The Annual Intellectual Property, Information & Property Law Conference
The Annual Intellectual Property, Information & Privacy Law Conference provides an exceptional opportunity to meet with newsmakers and influencers, to learn and discuss the most exciting and important developments in the field, and to be empowered to help create better laws and policies that promote innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. A mainstay in IP CLE programming, the conference is known for its highly interactive format. There will be numerous networking opportunities after each session and throughout each day. Qualified attendees may receive 6.25 hours (approximate hours, pending approval) of CLE credit for Illinois attorneys only.
Topics to Discussion
- Artificial Intelligence
- Patents
- Cyber Security
- IP Licensing
- Federal and State Privacy
- Much more!
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events at this time.
Connect with Our Institutional Partners
See upcoming events and additional opportunities to connect with IP professionals with our institutional partners below.
The Future of Copyright's Substantial Similarity Doctrine
Date: Wednesday October 7, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Location: Online Teams Webinar
Join the IP Policy Institute at the University of Akron School of Law, counsel and amici participating in Sedlik v. Von Drachenberg for an analysis of the Ninth Circuit’s en banc rehearing just days after oral argument. The panel will provide a first-hand report on oral argument, discuss whether and how the substantial similarity standard might change, examine the practical consequences of any change for litigants and creators, and consider how copyright infringement risks should be evaluated.
The Future of Copyright's Substantial Similarity Doctrine: Insights from the En Banc Rehearing in Sedlik v. Von Drachenberg
Speakers:
- William Patry – Counsel for plaintiff-appellant Jeff Sedlik and author of “Patry on Copyright”
- Professor Bruce Boyden – Amicus in support of neither party
- Professor Jessica Silbey – Amicus supporting appellees and affirmance
- Eleanor Lackman – Co-Chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group at Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP
(Moderator) - Professor Sandra Aistars – Distinguished Counselor in Residence and Professor of Law, IPPI: The IP Policy Institute, The University of Akron School of Law
Illinois IP Month Celebration
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Central Standard Time (EDT)
Location: Northwestern Pritzker School of Law | Chicago
Join the Illinois Intellectual Property Alliance (ILIPA) to celebrate their shared accomplishments, exchange ideas, and build connections that help shape what’s next for Illinois.
What to Expect:
- Celebrate Illinois’ creativity, ingenuity, and innovation
- Inspire tomorrow’s innovators, IP advocates, and innovation champions
- Advance IP awareness and education
- Connect with our statewide IP community over dinner and drinks
- Build partnerships across academia, industry, government, and communities
- Shape a stronger, more innovative Illinois together
Admission is free and includes dinner and drinks. Advance registration is required.
Come connect, exchange ideas, and help inspire what’s next for Illinois!
Experiential Opportunities
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Externships
Externship opportunities are open to all students in the program who have a JD degree or an equivalent degree. Students are placed with law firms, corporations, and government agencies for the purpose of gaining first-hand experience in intellectual property, information and privacy law. Interested students must contact the Center Director for approval.
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Internships
Additionally, a number of external internship opportunities are available to UIC Law students interested in focusing their careers in intellectual property, information and privacy law. The Center staff will assist our students in identifying internship opportunities.
Additional Resources
Meet the Team
Contact Us
Email: law-centers@uic.edu
Fax: (312) 427-5280
To request additional information about the Center for Intellectual Property, Information & Privacy Law and it’s programs, please complete and submit an Information Request Form.