My fascination with intellectual property (IP) began during my time as an undergraduate mechanical engineering student at the University of Michigan and continues today. My curiosity of IP didn’t come just from textbooks or lectures. It came from real-world experiences that showed me just how deeply IP is woven into engineering and everyday life. Let me explain.
Innovating at Medtronic: Where Engineering Meets IP
The door to IP law opened for me during my internship at Medtronic where I was exposed to patent law.
During my internship at Medtronic, I contributed to the development of a liquid embolic device designed to stop brain hemorrhages. I also had the opportunity to sit in on meetings between Lead Department Engineers and Medtronic patent attorneys to review the engineers’ new invention disclosures. During these sessions, the attorneys shared insights about the intricate technologies they specialize in and key patent strategies, such as how to conduct prior art searches. I learned that these searches are essential to ensure inventions are patent eligible before committing resources to the patent application process. For example, patent eligibility requires the invention to be novel and nonobvious, or, to put it plainly, “new.” Learning about this combination of engineering and law sparked my interest in IP law.
After sitting in a few meetings, I was fascinated about all the things the patent attorneys were constantly learning. One day they were discussing stroke therapy devices, the next they were diving into material properties for a new surgical tool. Even as an engineer, I realized how much I hadn’t been exposed to. It was exciting to step beyond my own technical niche in mechanical engineering. The idea of engaging with the newest technologies in many different fields solidified my interest in patent law.
Patent Pending: Guiding the Next Innovators
The following school semester after my internship, I was a teaching assistant for the Mechanical Engineering Senior Capstone Design course at the University of Michigan. Here, I had a front-row seat to some seriously creative engineering. I worked with students as they took their ideas from rough sketches to working prototypes. Some of their designs even seemed like they could be more than just class projects. They had real market potential.
After my experience at Medtronic, I started looking at the students’ projects through a different lens. I wasn’t just thinking, “That looks cool.” I started asking myself, “Is this truly novel? If so, could this be something patentable?”
I often encouraged students to think about how they could protect their projects utilizing patents, especially if they ever wanted to bring them to market and sell for a profit. Seeing their excitement made me realize how crucial IP is in turning great ideas into something tangible. Without the right protections to exclude others from making and selling their product, inventors could lose out on the monetary rewards of their creative efforts.
Embracing IP at Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Loyola has been instrumental in reinforcing my passion for IP law. Now in my second semester, I am taking Professor Cynthia Ho’s (the director of Loyola’s IP program) elective course “Global Access to Medicine: A Patent Perspective.” I highly recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in IP and how it relates to the accessibility of drugs.
Additionally at Loyola, I joined the Intellectual Property Law Society (IPLS). Through IPLS, I have connected with individuals who have shared their journeys in IP law. The mentorship from amazing 2Ls like Katelyn Sears, Dasha Ignatova, Clara Finger, and Emily Moll has been invaluable in setting me up for success. They have laid out the best courses to take for an aspiring IP attorney and provided tips on refining my resume and cover letter. They also encouraged me to get involved with Chicago Women in Intellectual Property (ChiWIP), which has introduced me to a strong network of female attorneys. Attending events and building these relationships has solidified my enthusiasm for IP law and my gratitude for choosing Loyola Law.
Other Interests Involving IP
Since starting law school, I started noticing IP in everyday life beyond engineering. As someone who loves fashion and design, I’ve grown intrigued by design patents that protect the unique aesthetics of products and the trademarks that signify brand identity.
My interest in these types of IP really took off after attending a ChiWIP panel of female patent attorneys explaining design patents. I learned how brands use design patents to safeguard everything from the stitching on a handbag to the curves of a sneaker. IP law is the unseen thread that ties creativity to commerce.
As I prepare to run the Chicago Marathon this year, I’ve found myself drawn into the world of running shoe technology. My curiosity led me to start researching what makes elite long-distance shoes so effective. I read articles detailing the science behind carbon fiber plates and energy-returning foam. I even searched for patents filed by top athletic brands to see what aspects of their merchandise are patented.
Since starting law school, my exposure to IP has made me more attuned to patents behind ordinary products. Now, I instinctively look up patent filings for products that catch my attention. Many products are marked with a patent number on the packaging or the product itself. Anyone can look these numbers up on the USPTO’s Patent Center or Google Patents to view the patent for the product.
The idea of combining my technical background with my passions in fashion, design, and running feels like the perfect marriage of my diverse interests.
Looking Ahead: Labs to Lifestyles
Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep diving into the intersection of tech and creativity through IP law. Whether it’s patenting medical devices or geeking out over the latest running shoe innovations, there’s no shortage of ways to stay current with the technological trends. From high-tech labs to everyday lifestyles, this journey is shaping up to be just as exciting and multifaceted as the inventions I can’t wait to learn about.
Adelyn Schmidt
Assistant Blogger
Loyola University Chicago School of Law, J.D. 2027