The Intellectual Property Law Center at St. John’s University announced on Apr. 16 that it is expanding its programming and welcoming new student fellows as the university celebrates its centennial.
This expansion aims to provide more opportunities for students, alumni, scholars, and practitioners to engage with legal issues related to knowledge, technology, creativity, and expression. The center has served as a forum for research and professional development in intellectual property law for over a decade.
Guided by co-directors Professor Jeremy Sheff and Professor Eva E. Subotnik, the center is enhancing its curriculum with courses such as Trade Secrets and a seminar on generative artificial intelligence co-taught by Professors Sheff and Kate Klonick next year. “We’re excited to make the IPLC an even more valuable resource for our constituencies,” Sheff said. He added that they are increasing efforts to connect with alumni in intellectual property fields through their website and social media presence.
The Student Fellows Program has been relaunched to support this growth, introducing Frank Sayegh ’27 and Anna Westfall ’27 as the newest fellows. “We identified Anna and Frank as strong 2L students with demonstrated interest in IP,” Subotnik said. She explained that these students will contribute significantly during their fellowship before passing on their experience next spring.
Anna Westfall became interested in intellectual property law through undergraduate research on generative AI regulation while Frank Sayegh links his interest in IP law to career goals in sports law; both are active participants in IPLC-affiliated organizations.
Sheff shared his vision: “As the IPLC expands its offerings and reach, we hope the Student Fellow Program will not only connect some of our most promising current students with alumni and academics… but that over time it will create a community of Fellows… It’s a very exciting time to be part of the IPLC.” St. John’s University supports initiatives like this through various centers focused on multicultural, local, and global efforts according to its official website. The university operates campuses in Queens and Manhattan along with international sites according to its official website.
St. John’s is affiliated with the Vincentian Community according to its official website, offers over 100 undergraduate majors across six schools according to its official website, operates as a Catholic institution dedicated to liberal arts education according to its official website, and Rev. Brian J. Shanley serves as president per the official site.
