September 05, 2025

ASU Law leads in intellectual property education and innovation

The launch of the Wolin Family Center for Intellectual Property marks a major milestone, offering a new space for research, collaboration and industry partnerships. Leading this work is Daniel Drane, who recently joined ASU Law as executive director of the Wolin Family Center for Intellectual Property and the Center for Law, Science and Innovation, where he will help drive the centers’ growth and vision, alongside Doug Sylvester, dean emeritus and faculty director of the Wolin Family Center for Intellectual Property. 

 

“ASU Law is positioning itself as the national leader in intellectual property,” said Sylvester. “Our students have access to an unparalleled intellectual property experience. From working directly with clients in our clinics and the launch of this new center, to learning from industry leaders in the classroom, students are prepared to thrive in every corner of the IP field.”

 

This year, ASU Law Professors Tyson Winarski and Andrew Schwaab were both named to the IAM300, a prestigious list recognizing the world’s top IP strategists. Their expertise strengthens ASU Law’s position as a hub for intellectual property leadership and thought.

 

“The Wolin Family Center for Intellectual Property at ASU Law is flourishing, and I’m proud to contribute to its growth. The caliber of talent here across students, faculty and industry collaborators is extraordinary,” said Winarski. “Our combined educational efforts are placing students in the best law firms in the nation. Together, we are driving thought leadership in intellectual property for innovation around the world.”

 

ASU Law is also expanding its course offerings with leading practitioners from across the field. Roy Maharaj, chief licensing officer for Ericsson, joins the college as an adjunct faculty member and will co-teach Patent Licensing and Monetization this fall. Maharaj brings extensive experience in licensing, technology transfer and strategic IP management for one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies.

 

“I am really excited to be a part of the ASU Law community, especially in connection with the launch of the Wolin Family Center for Intellectual Property,” said Maharaj. “I have had the pleasure of guest lecturing at ASU Law over the last several years and have always been thoroughly impressed by the students, faculty and staff, and now I look forward to sharing IP industry insights, legal practice and business perspective as a member of the team.”

 

Konrad Trope, an accomplished attorney recognized as one of Los Angeles’ “Most Fascinating People of 2024,” will teach Copyright Infringement in spring 2026. Trope has built a reputation for his work in media and entertainment law, helping students understand complex issues in copyright protection, enforcement and litigation in the creative industries.

 

Sanjay Prasad, with a deep background in technology law, is also a professor teaching courses this fall. Having worked for Oracle Corporation as Chief Patent Counsel, Prasad brings first-hand experience with software, cloud computing and technology licensing. His courses will provide students with insight into transactional and corporate aspects of IP, equipping them to navigate the intersection of law, business and innovation.

 

On the global stage, ASU Law faculty and students are engaging with leading conversations in intellectual property. On Aug. 28, ASU Law took part in the Intellectual Property in Trade and Digital Commerce seminar in Singapore, a full-day international event co-organized by Alibaba Group, The McCarthy Institute at ASU Law and the SMU Centre for Digital Law as part of IP Week @ SG 2025. Professors David Franklyn and Tyson Winarski spoke on the panel “Towards a Shared AI Future: East Meets West,” which explored the intersection of AI, intellectual property and digital commerce across global markets. On Oct. 5 and 6, Winarski will also be the keynote speaker presenting “Strategic Protection of Nanotechnology with Intellectual Property and Patents” at the Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Conference in Paris, France.

 

Looking ahead, on Oct. 16, ASU Law will partner with the Los Angeles Intellectual Property Law Association to present the 11th annual Techtainment conference in Los Angeles, bringing together thought leaders from law, business, technology and entertainment to examine the latest trends shaping the future of media and IP.

 

Students also gain hands-on experience through the Lisa Foundation Patent Law Clinic, founded by Chicago patent attorney and ASU Law alumnus Steven G. Lisa (JD ’84). As a member of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Law School Clinic Certification Program, the clinic allows students to work directly with clients on patent and trademark prosecution. Those with technical backgrounds represent both patent and trademark clients, while others focus on trademark matters. With limited recognition practice numbers, students can sign and file applications, conduct examiner interviews and correspond directly with the USPTO — providing unmatched practical training and preparation for careers in intellectual property.

 

With world-class faculty, innovative clinics and global engagement, ASU Law is shaping the future of intellectual property law and preparing the next generation of leaders in the field.

Written by Kourtney Kelley