The Foundation for Advancement of Diversity in IP Law Selects Jan Jancin and AIPLA Past Presidents Awardees
Arlington, VA – October 11, 2021 -- The Foundation for Advancement of Diversity in IP Law is pleased to recognize the winners of the 2021 AIPLA Past Presidents Award and 2021 Jan Jancin Award. The 2021 Jan Jancin Award recipient is Alicia Lai and the 2021 AIPLA Past Presidents Award recipient is Ernest Fok.
The Jan Jancin Award is a merit-based award that honors Jan Jancin, who served with extraordinary distinction in numerous IP bar leadership roles throughout his career, including as both presidents of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) and as the chair of the Section on Intellectual Property Law of the American Bar Association. The AIPLA Past Presidents Award is a merit-based award that is made possible through the contributions to the Foundation each year by past presidents of the AIPLA.
Photo Credit: EPNAC
Alicia Lai and AIPLA President Joseph Re
Both of these prestigious awards recognize second-and third-year law students who are members of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group who, although still students, have nonetheless contributed to the IP law profession through work experience relevant to the practice of intellectual property law, achievement in intellectual property law coursework, active membership or leadership roles in intellectually property law student organizations, published writings on intellectual property law topics, or other efforts that advance the study or practice of intellectual property law. Any ABA-accredited law school offering at least one course on an intellectual property law subject may nominate an individual to receive these awards.
Alicia Lai, who earned the Jan Jancin Award this year, is a recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where she was selected for the University of Pennsylvania Law Review and became a senior editor of the Journal of Law and Innovation. Lai is a co-president of the Intellectual Property Group and a teaching assistant for IP and National Economic Value and AI & Law classes. She was nominated for this award by Professor Christopher Yoo based on her excellence in IP-related academic studies, commitment to a career in IP, and leadership in IP-related student activities.
Ernest Fok, who earned this year’s AIPLA Past Presidents Award, is a recent graduate of Santa Clara University of Law where he graduated in the top 10% of his class and won the most prestigious award that the school offers - the Mabie award, which is awarded to the top graduate every year on the basis of scholarship, community leadership, and a sense of professional responsibility. Fok is an admissions interviewer and ambassador for Harvard University and co-president of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association. He was nominated by Professor Colleen Chien based on his incredible character, sense of service to others, and attention to detail, which complement his very accomplished track record in intellectual property law.
Alicia Lai and Ernest Fok will be receiving their respective awards at the AIPLA Annual Conference held in person this year October 28-30th at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.
Photo Credit: EPNAC
Ernest Fok and AIPLA President Joseph Re
If you are or know someone who would like to apply for the Jan Jancin Award or AIPLA Past Presidents Award please click HERE for more information.
About the Foundation
For nearly two decades the Foundation—formerly the American Intellectual Property Law Education Foundation—has worked for the advancement of diversity in the IP profession. In 2020, the Foundation adopted its new name—Foundation for Advancement of Diversity in IP Law— to accompany an expansion of the Foundation’s longstanding programming aimed at attracting more members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups into the IP law profession—and advancing their opportunities for achievement in the profession once completing law school. Since its inception, the Foundation had raised over $2.5 million for financial assistance, tuition grants, and programs which support future practitioners of IP Law. If you would like to become a mentor for future scholars, donate, or offer an internship with your firm, please visit our website DiversityInIPLaw.org.