On December 9, 2025, the International Trademark Association (INTA) Pro Bono Committee partnered with Philadelphia VIP to host a high-impact Trademark Legal Clinic, bringing vital intellectual property counsel to the local business community.
Hosted by Blank Rome LLP at its Philadelphia office, the in-person clinic successfully matched ten volunteer attorneys with ten local small businesses and non-profit organizations. The event underscored the powerful synergy between INTA’s global commitment to intellectual property advancement and Philadelphia VIP’s mission to provide quality legal services to low-income residents and organizations.
The clinic was designed to bridge the gap for entrepreneurs and community organizations who often struggle to navigate the complexities of trademark law. Over the course of the morning, attendees received one-hour, one-on-one consultations with experienced trademark attorneys. Volunteers provided guidance on a range of critical issues, from trademark selection and clearance to the nuances of the registration process, helping these organizations secure the brand protection necessary for their long-term growth and stability.
Robin Miles, Small Business Coordinator at Philadelphia VIP, was instrumental in organizing the event and connecting the attorneys with clients in need. Regarding the collaboration, Miles noted:
“As this was the first time that Philly VIP collaborated in hosting a specialized legal clinic, we were so pleased with the turnout and the level of engagement from the clients and the volunteer attorneys. The clients overwhelmingly shared feedback that the clinic exceeded their expectations. In addition, most of the clients assisted at the clinic will continue to receive pro bono support from the volunteer attorneys that they were matched with during the clinic, another sign of a very successful legal clinic”
For the INTA Pro Bono Committee, this event represents a core pillar of our mission: to identify and develop opportunities to serve low-income individuals, small-to-medium enterprises, and charitable organizations. By facilitating these direct connections, we not only protect the intellectual assets of individual creators but also strengthen the economic fabric of the Philadelphia community.
We extend our sincere thanks to the volunteer attorneys who donated their time and expertise, as well as to Blank Rome LLP for their hospitality and commitment to pro bono service.
For more information on the INTA Pro Bono Committee and future opportunities, please visit www.inta.org/committees/pro-bono-committee/. To learn more about volunteering with Philadelphia VIP, visit www.phillyvip.org.
"INTA Pro Bono Committee and Philadelphia VIP Partner with Blank Rome for Successful Trademark Clinic," by Matthew A. Homyk was published by the International Trademark Association on February 25, 2026.