Seattle Intellectual Property American Inn of Court

There is something undeniably energizing about the start of a new Inn year — and this September, the Seattle Intellectual Property American Inn of Court kicked things off in style with our annual New Member Orientation. Whether you were a first-year law student stepping into the world of IP practice for the first time, or a seasoned attorney joining our community for a fresh professional connection, the message was the same: welcome home.

The evening brought together new and returning members in one of our favorite traditions — an informal but informative gathering designed to answer every question a newcomer might have, and a few they hadn’t thought to ask yet.

What Is the Seattle IP Inn, Anyway?

For those brand new to the Inn, orientation opened with an overview of who we are and what we do. The Seattle Intellectual Property American Inn of Court is a chapter of the American Inns of Court, a national organization dedicated to excellence, civility, professionalism, and ethics in the legal profession. Our chapter focuses specifically on intellectual property law — patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, licensing, and the ethical dimensions of modern IP practice.

We are a community of law students, associates, partners, academics, and judges — all at different stages of their careers, all committed to growing together. That mix is not accidental. It is the heart of what makes the Inn model so effective.

How the Inn Works

New members learned about the structure of our monthly meetings, which run throughout the academic year. Each gathering features substantive programming — think mock arguments, panel discussions, case studies, and deep dives into emerging areas of IP law — followed by informal networking. Attendance is not just encouraged; it is part of what makes membership meaningful.

Members are organized into small groups, which rotate responsibility for planning and presenting the evening’s program. This structure gives every member — from law student to federal judge — a real stake in the quality of our programming and a genuine opportunity to lead.

The Commitment to Ethics

One theme that came through clearly during orientation: the Inn takes professional ethics seriously. It is baked into everything we do. From how we structure our programs to how we engage with one another across experience levels, the expectation of civility, integrity, and professionalism is ever-present. New members heard directly from current leaders about what that looks like in practice — and why it matters now more than ever in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.

A Community Built on Mentorship

Perhaps the most exciting part of the evening was the introduction of our mentorship connections. One of the Inn’s greatest strengths is the direct access it provides to practitioners at every level. New members left orientation with names, faces, and a genuine sense that the doors of this community are open to them.

If you missed orientation or are curious about membership, we encourage you to reach out. The 2025-2026 Inn year is just getting started — and it is going to be a great one.

See you at the next meeting!