INTA Hosts Its Annual International Women’s Day Pro Bono Clinic

In celebration of International Women’s Day, INTA recently hosted its Annual Pro Bono EntreprenHERship Clinic, titled INTA Pro Bono Virtual Legal Clinic—Empowering Female Entrepreneurs. Occurring on March 5, 2026, the virtual program continued its mission of matching women entrepreneurs and small business owners with volunteer trademark professionals to provide free access to legal information relating to trademarks and other intellectual property (IP) issues.

The Annual Pro Bono EntreprenHERship Clinic is an hour-long virtual event, designed as a walk-in legal clinic. Prequalified applicants—primarily women entrepreneurs, as well as women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not-for-profit organizations, and charitable organizations—have the opportunity to consult one-on-one with volunteer trademark attorneys and other IP professionals. These experts answer legal questions, explain the trademark registration process, and direct applicants to other local resources that may further assist them with trademark clearance and prosecution matters, including topics such as trademark Q&A, costs, timelines, and renewals.

This year, more than 30 volunteers were teamed with applicants to provide their expertise. The clinic kicked off with introductory remarks by Mascha Heidelberg of Eversheds Sutherland (Germany), Vice Chair of the INTA Pro Bono Committee. This year’s featured speaker was Julia Rodgers, Founder and CEO of HelloPrenup. Ms. Rodgers leads HelloPrenup, an innovative all-in-one platform designed to provide high-quality prenuptial agreements in an affordable and accessible way. Her impassioned insights provided a valuable, real-world perspective on the importance of proactively protecting one’s trademark assets.

“I always find INTA pro bono clinics rewarding, but the EntreprenHERship clinic is truly a highlight,” said Anna Robinson, Senior Global Trademark Counsel at Ford Motor Company, and Co-Lead of INTA’s Pro Bono Committee Communications Sub-Committee. She continued: “This year was especially impactful. Our speaker was incredibly inspiring and reminded us why our pro bono trademark work is so valuable.”

Following the introductory remarks and speaker presentation, the entrepreneurs and women business owners were paired with INTA volunteers in virtual breakout rooms for individual consultations focused on their respective trademark questions.

Kara C. Michels, a partner with INTA member organization Neal Gerber Eisenberg, assisted Nijaah Howard, CEO & Founder of Thoughts Magazine, Multi-Media and Events, by sharing her expertise on how the law impacts small businesses. “Kara was incredible and this resource is invaluable to the non-profit world,” said Ms. Howard. “I am so grateful.”

Ms. Michels noted: “The EntreprenHERship program is a great example of how a small investment of time can have a real impact. It was inspiring to see so many practitioners eager to volunteer and incredibly rewarding to support women entrepreneurs as they build their businesses.”

Eligible applicants were also directed to other INTA pro bono resources, including the INTA Pro Bono Clearinghouse. The INTA Pro Bono Clearinghouse provides free legal representation to low-income individuals, small businesses, and non-profit entities worldwide in connection with trademark matters. To participate, potential participants in the clearinghouse must demonstrate a valid trademark issue and financial need. Eligible clients seeking assistance with various types of trademark matters—including clearance, prosecution, or disputes—are matched with INTA member attorneys who provide legal representation pro bono (free of charge).

The INTA Pro Bono Committee, currently chaired by Jaime Vining of Friedland Vining, P.A. (USA) with Mascha Heidelberg of Eversheds Sutherland (Germany) as Vice Chair, offers free legal clinics throughout the year. These include themed worldwide events such as the INTA Pro Bono Virtual Legal Clinic—Empowering Female Entrepreneurs Clinic, and geographically targeted events, all aimed at aiding brand owners from across the globe.

Learn more about the INTA Pro Bono Clearinghouse and other upcoming virtual pro bono events.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

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