May 17, 2024

ASU Law secures key talent to expand and innovate intellectual property program in California and beyond

As technology remains at the forefront of progress, the need for intellectual property attorneys to adequately safeguard the rights of creators is at an all-time high. To that end, the intellectual property program at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University is growing to meet the anticipated market demands with two leading IP experts at the helm.

Former ASU Law Dean Douglas Sylvester assumed the role of executive director of intellectual property and California strategy at ASU Law, bringing his wealth of experience and strategic vision to steer the program to new heights. Sylvester's dedication to advancing legal education and fostering innovation makes him an invaluable asset to ASU Law's IP initiatives. In addition to leading advancements and innovation for the IP program and California strategy, Sylvester serves as General Partner & Managing Director at Xcellerant Ventures, an Arizona-based venture capital firm investing in transformative companies in the health- and med-tech markets. 

“The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law Intellectual Property program is one of the best in the country,” Sylvester said. “It's because it's one of the nation's oldest and most innovative programs. We established our student-led experiences more than two decades ago, we've been improving them, changing them and adding to them everything to react to the market, the way the law is changing and the needs of our students.”

Additionally, ASU Law welcomes Andrew Schwaab as the incoming Director of the Lisa Foundation Patent Law Clinic, starting in the fall semester. Schwaab is a leading IP expert who has more than 25 years of private practice experience, focusing on strategic IP matters, including patent and trademark counseling, global patent prosecution, licensing, monetization, IP litigation and validity, infringement and freedom-to-operate issues. With an impressive background in patent law and a commitment to clinical legal education, Schwaab will enhance the practical training opportunities available to ASU Law students while contributing to the broader intellectual property community.

“Phoenix, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., are all booming locations for technology and IP. Arizona is a top location for semiconductors, so Phoenix has the feel of Silicon Valley, and that’s very appealing from an IP perspective,” Schwaab said. “I feel so much joy and excitement to join ASU Law. I’ve known several faculty and staff members for 20 years or more, and Dean Leeds is an incredible leader. I’ve learned early on that the team you work with is everything, and I can’t wait to join the ASU Law team.”

These developments underscore ASU Law's ongoing commitment to providing students with exceptional opportunities in the ever-evolving field of intellectual property law. ASU Law first set out to expand its horizons in Washington, D.C., and is now the only law school with a separate location, approved by the American Bar Association, in the nation’s capital. Today, ASU Law grows services to a physical location in downtown Los Angeles where IP needs are expansive. ASU Law's focus on growing its IP program reaffirms its dedication to preparing future legal professionals to navigate complex legal landscapes and drive innovation forward. 

According to U.S. News & World Report, Arizona State University remains No. 1 in innovation among American universities, and the university has recently risen two spots to No. 9 among the world’s top universities for U.S. utility patents issued in 2023, underscoring the university's unwavering commitment to fueling America’s innovation ecosystem and translating cutting-edge research into practical solutions.

“ASU is the most innovative law school and innovative university in the world,” Sylvester said. “What's really important about that, is it's an entire culture of innovation that starts at the president's office at the university and goes all the way down to every single member here at ASU Law.” 

 

Written by Kourtney Kelley