The work of the ABA Section of Intellectual Property Law (ABA-IPL) - through its eight Divisions and over 60 committees- is the foundation and heart of our productive efforts as the largest and most influential organization of intellectual property lawyers in the world.

Committee membership is available free to all ABA-IPL Section members.

Members can volunteer their time, enthusiasm and commitment to ABA-IPL committees and make a significant impact in advancing the profession, the practice and their own firms.

Each Section committee deals with a special aspect of the law as it relates to intellectual property under the statues, common law, and the provisions of the international treaties. Committee work is often the basis on which the Section Council and membership take action in Congress, in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and in the U.S. Copyright Office, in other agencies and in the courts. Our committee members write, critique, and comment on current and proposed policies, laws, rules, and cases relating to intellectual property.

The work of our committees and contributions of the members is the substantive content for the flagship publication Annual Review of Intellectual Property Law Developments. Committee members have opportunities to publish Section books and publications, including our new magazine, Landslide. Committees also assist in producing Section CLE programs, including the Section of Intellectual Property Law | 24th Annual IPL Conference, Section Roundtables and webinars.

All committees communicate via teleconference and email and often meet in person.

To join a committee, please look for your Division of interest and appropriate committee to become involved immediately!

Committee membership is available only to ABA-IPL Section members. To join a committee, please click on the Division of interest below and then on the appropriate committee for the committee join link.

All members need to register — even if you are participating in the same committee

Please be sure to sign up for committee(s) of your choice for the 2008-2009 Association Year.