INTA Pro Bono Trademark Clearinghouse Takes Off

This summer, the International Trademark Association (INTA), the global trademark industry group, launched a one-of-a-kind pilot program offering pro bono attorneys the opportunity to help nonprofits and others obtain and protect trademarks. And in its first weeks, it is already receiving submissions and a positive response, according to an INTA representative.

“Through its Pro Bono Committee, INTA has established the Trademark Clearinghouse pilot program to bolster the protection of intellectual property by matching eligible clients facing trademark issues with INTA member attorneys so that legal services can be provided free of charge,” the INTA website says. “The Clearinghouse is intended to serve low-income individuals and/or directors of nonprofit or charitable organizations with low operating budgets (1) who might otherwise not know where to turn or (2) who don’t have access to legal assistance in the area of trademarks. This clearinghouse is the only one currently in existence that is dedicated primarily to trademarks.”

“The Pro Bono Trademark Clearinghouse has been created to connect eligible individuals and non-profit organizations in need of trademark legal assistance with trademark attorneys who are looking for pro bono opportunities, and are prepared and able to assist,” according to INTA.

Participation in the Clearinghouse presents INTA members with a number of benefits, the group said, including opportunities for:

• Expanded public relations;
• Business development;
• Talent recruitment and retention;
• Training and professional development; and
• The opportunity to give back, and share their professional skills with a deserving and in need clients and causes.

The program was launched on 31 July to run for two years in Germany and the United States. It will then be expanded to other countries, according to an INTA press release from the launch.

According to the release: “During the pilot program, participation in the Clearinghouse will be limited to members of INTA’s Pro Bono Committee. This controlled launch will allow the Association to effectively evaluate and prepare the Clearinghouse for its expansion, both geographically and among the INTA membership.”

“For more information about the pilot program or to refer a potential client, please visit INTA’s website or email Stacey Sutton, Associate, Member Acquisition, at ssutton@Inta.org.”