The Intellectual Property Students Association was founded in the fall of 1988 in response to a growing student interest in intellectual property related practices. These practices, encompassed by IPSA activities, include: patent law (litigation and prosecution), copyright, trademark, software protection, trade secrets and unfair competition, entertainment law, and venture formation. In its first
two years, total membership exceeded 100 students from diverse educational and career backgrounds spanning the general arts and sciences, as well as the engineering, business and entertainment fields. The main goals of the organization are to create a sense of community among students already interested in intellectual property, and to provide exposure to the IP areas of law for those students who may be unaware of its possibilities. These goals are accomplished by providing students with a forum and access to information through which they may investigate and discuss career options, the means to keep abreast of developments in law and related technologies, the opportunity to develop important connections with practitioners, and the chance to participate in projects offering practical experience and training.
