The field of intellectual property law has grown rapidly in the past decade. As advances are made in the fields of life sciences, computer sciences and engineering, questions of patents, copyrights and trade secrets have become increasingly complex. Additionally, the growth of international trade and the global economy, have led to increasingly complex transnational IP disputes.
Conceived to address an increased focus on intellectual property law, the Hale and Dorr Professorship of Intellectual Property Law represents a unique collaboration between a law firm and law school. In addition to the professorship, the gift will help fund and sponsor a conference on intellectual property law at Harvard Law School that will be held every two years and organized by the chair holder.
"This professorship will allow us to expand our teaching of intellectual property law as it becomes one of the preeminent legal fields of our time," said Harvard Law School Dean Robert Clark. "I am pleased that the tremendous relationship between Hale and Dorr and Harvard Law School will continue through this very generous gift."
Harvard Law School and Hale and Dorr are currently partners in the Hale and Dorr Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School. This clinical program, based in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, provides legal services to low-income members of the community. It is the largest university-based provider of legal assistance in the nation.
William F. Lee, Hale and Dorr’s managing partner, has served as the John J. Reilly Visiting Professor at Harvard Law School, teaching intellectual property litigation for the past four years. Hale and Dorr attorneys Jerome P. Facher and James D. St. Clair also served as lecturers at the law school for more than 25 years.