About The HUSL IP Law Clinic
Howard University School of Law participates in the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Law School Clinic Certification Program (Trademarks).
The IP & Trademark Clinic course includes a classroom seminar and actual client representation. The seminar includes a review of trademark law & federal registration procedures. The practice includes the representation of individuals and small businesses in their efforts to secure federal trademark registrations with the USPTO.
Student-attorneys are responsible for all aspects of representing clients, under the direct supervision of the IPTC faculty. The practice includes, but is not limited to: adhering to the USPTO’s ethics rules; client interviewing and counseling (e.g., gathering information; reviewing & reporting-out Office Actions & Notices); trademark selection and clearance (e.g., conducting searches; ordering & reviewing search reports; rendering availability opinions) and all aspects of preparing, filing & prosecuting trademark applications before the USPTO (e.g., reviewing Office Actions and drafting responses thereto, and legal research).
The IP & Trademark Clinic course includes a classroom seminar and actual client representation. The seminar includes a review of trademark law & federal registration procedures. The practice includes the representation of individuals and small businesses in their efforts to secure federal trademark registrations with the USPTO.
Student-attorneys are responsible for all aspects of representing clients, under the direct supervision of the IPTC faculty. The practice includes, but is not limited to: adhering to the USPTO’s ethics rules; client interviewing and counseling (e.g., gathering information; reviewing & reporting-out Office Actions & Notices); trademark selection and clearance (e.g., conducting searches; ordering & reviewing search reports; rendering availability opinions) and all aspects of preparing, filing & prosecuting trademark applications before the USPTO (e.g., reviewing Office Actions and drafting responses thereto, and legal research).
Meet Our Student-Attorney Bloggers
Anthony Williams
My name is Anthony Williams and I am originally from Norfolk, Virginia. I am currently a 2L attending Howard University School of Law and a recent graduate of the Music Business program at Full Sail University. Additionally, I served as an enlisted active duty Air Force service member for eight years, where I worked in Health Care Administration and Military Postal fields.
My name is Anthony Williams and I am originally from Norfolk, Virginia. I am currently a 2L attending Howard University School of Law and a recent graduate of the Music Business program at Full Sail University. Additionally, I served as an enlisted active duty Air Force service member for eight years, where I worked in Health Care Administration and Military Postal fields.
Eric N. St. Bernard
Eric N. St. Bernard is a second-year J.D. Candidate at Howard University School of Law, with a focus on the intersectionality of Intellectual Property and corporate law. Eric has a demonstrated history of working in high- technology, including two years as an ERP Consultant at Oracle Corporation, which he credits for his interest in Trademarks, Copyrights, and Patents. Eric received his undergraduate degree from DePauw University, where he was a double Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) focused on Communication/Media Studies and English Literature. Eric is skilled in Business Process, Microsoft Word, Oracle Database, Legal Writing, Creative Writing, Public Speaking, and Software as a Service (SaaS). In his free time, he enjoys watching sports, weightlifting, and spending time with family.
Eric N. St. Bernard is a second-year J.D. Candidate at Howard University School of Law, with a focus on the intersectionality of Intellectual Property and corporate law. Eric has a demonstrated history of working in high- technology, including two years as an ERP Consultant at Oracle Corporation, which he credits for his interest in Trademarks, Copyrights, and Patents. Eric received his undergraduate degree from DePauw University, where he was a double Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) focused on Communication/Media Studies and English Literature. Eric is skilled in Business Process, Microsoft Word, Oracle Database, Legal Writing, Creative Writing, Public Speaking, and Software as a Service (SaaS). In his free time, he enjoys watching sports, weightlifting, and spending time with family.
Belisa Mejia
I am a second-year student. During my first year, I served as a finance coordinator for the Class of 2020 council. I am a student ambassador for the Office of Admissions and a member of the Business Law Society and Black Law Student Association. I received a B.A in Psychology in 2012 from the SUNY College at Old Westbury in Westbury, NY. I am from the Bronx, NY and my goal is to one day start my own practice in my hometown, to provide small business owners and entrepreneurs exceptional legal services that will enable them to grow their business endeavors.
I am a second-year student. During my first year, I served as a finance coordinator for the Class of 2020 council. I am a student ambassador for the Office of Admissions and a member of the Business Law Society and Black Law Student Association. I received a B.A in Psychology in 2012 from the SUNY College at Old Westbury in Westbury, NY. I am from the Bronx, NY and my goal is to one day start my own practice in my hometown, to provide small business owners and entrepreneurs exceptional legal services that will enable them to grow their business endeavors.
Septembra LeSane
Septembra LeSane is a third year law student at Howard University School of Law. She currently serves as the Program Director of Howard’s Sports and Entertainment Law Student Association. Septembra is an entrepreneur who has interest in fashion law as well as all things intellectual property. Septembra has interned with NPR as a Copyright Intern, and is currently a remote intern for entertainment lawyer Bob Celestin where her work focuses primarily on drafting and reviewing music and television agreements. Septembra is a first year Intellectual Property and Trademark Clinic Student Attorney and hopes to use the knowledge gained from her experience to establish her own practice and help creatives protect their brands and ideas.
Septembra LeSane is a third year law student at Howard University School of Law. She currently serves as the Program Director of Howard’s Sports and Entertainment Law Student Association. Septembra is an entrepreneur who has interest in fashion law as well as all things intellectual property. Septembra has interned with NPR as a Copyright Intern, and is currently a remote intern for entertainment lawyer Bob Celestin where her work focuses primarily on drafting and reviewing music and television agreements. Septembra is a first year Intellectual Property and Trademark Clinic Student Attorney and hopes to use the knowledge gained from her experience to establish her own practice and help creatives protect their brands and ideas.
Hope T. Hill
I am a graduating 3L newly interested in a broad spectrum of intellectual property law. I enjoy blogging, photography, sketching, music, film, poetry, comedy, and open mics. Although I am in this clinic, my interests do not stop at trademarks. I am open to learning all that intellectual property and media law has to offer. Ultimately, it would be ideal if I am in a space where I can freely express myself through my own creative projects and help other creatives protect their creative works.
I am a graduating 3L newly interested in a broad spectrum of intellectual property law. I enjoy blogging, photography, sketching, music, film, poetry, comedy, and open mics. Although I am in this clinic, my interests do not stop at trademarks. I am open to learning all that intellectual property and media law has to offer. Ultimately, it would be ideal if I am in a space where I can freely express myself through my own creative projects and help other creatives protect their creative works.
Danielle Marshall
Danielle Marshall is a 2L from Ann Arbor, MI. After attending Spelman College in Atlanta, GA and receiving her Bachelors of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Psychology, Danielle continued on to receive her J.D. from Howard University School of Law. Danielle is her mother’s only child, loves the ocean, and considers herself to be a Jill of all trades. Specifically, Danielle enjoys making candles and pottery, and is a self-proclaimed chef.
Danielle Marshall is a 2L from Ann Arbor, MI. After attending Spelman College in Atlanta, GA and receiving her Bachelors of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Psychology, Danielle continued on to receive her J.D. from Howard University School of Law. Danielle is her mother’s only child, loves the ocean, and considers herself to be a Jill of all trades. Specifically, Danielle enjoys making candles and pottery, and is a self-proclaimed chef.
Natasha Jean- Pierre
Natasha Jean-Pierre is a third year law student at Howard University School of law. She has a passion for helping creatives protect their innovations. Her passion has lead her to interning with NFL Film's in the footage acquisition department where she helped secure footage and images for shows such as "Top 100" and "Hey Rookie". Additionally, as a Summer Law Clerk at Gray Legal P.C., she has assisted on trademark litigation and trademark infringement cases. She is returning to the IP clinic to help our next generation of entrepreneurs, artists, and talents to successfully receive trademark registrations.
Natasha Jean-Pierre is a third year law student at Howard University School of law. She has a passion for helping creatives protect their innovations. Her passion has lead her to interning with NFL Film's in the footage acquisition department where she helped secure footage and images for shows such as "Top 100" and "Hey Rookie". Additionally, as a Summer Law Clerk at Gray Legal P.C., she has assisted on trademark litigation and trademark infringement cases. She is returning to the IP clinic to help our next generation of entrepreneurs, artists, and talents to successfully receive trademark registrations.
QuenDesmond Kellum
QuenDesmond Kellum is a third year law student at Howard University School of Law. He currently serves as the Student Bar Association President and the Chief-of Staff for the Mid-Atlantic Region of the National Black Law Students Association. QuenDesmond has interests in intellectual property and educating the community of not only intellectual property rights but constitutional rights. QuenDesmond interned with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated as an intern in the Legal Affairs and Brand Management Department working on a range of issues from intellectual property to employment law. He is a returning Intellectual Property and Trademark Clinic Student Attorney and plans on continuing to help small business owners apply for and receive trademark registrations.
QuenDesmond Kellum is a third year law student at Howard University School of Law. He currently serves as the Student Bar Association President and the Chief-of Staff for the Mid-Atlantic Region of the National Black Law Students Association. QuenDesmond has interests in intellectual property and educating the community of not only intellectual property rights but constitutional rights. QuenDesmond interned with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated as an intern in the Legal Affairs and Brand Management Department working on a range of issues from intellectual property to employment law. He is a returning Intellectual Property and Trademark Clinic Student Attorney and plans on continuing to help small business owners apply for and receive trademark registrations.
Brittany Hamner
Brittany Hamner is a third-year law student at Howard University School of Law in Washington, DC and received her BA in Political Science from Howard University. She currently serves as the President for the Class of 2019 and the Treasurer for the Black Law Students Association. Brittany is a returning Intellectual Property and Trademark Clinic Student. Brittany's goal is to become a lawyer who can provide her clients with an array of services including that of protecting their intellectual property. Her goals for this course is to gain practical experience in filing trademarks and all associated issued so that she will always have the ability to independently service clients on trademark matters.
Brittany Hamner is a third-year law student at Howard University School of Law in Washington, DC and received her BA in Political Science from Howard University. She currently serves as the President for the Class of 2019 and the Treasurer for the Black Law Students Association. Brittany is a returning Intellectual Property and Trademark Clinic Student. Brittany's goal is to become a lawyer who can provide her clients with an array of services including that of protecting their intellectual property. Her goals for this course is to gain practical experience in filing trademarks and all associated issued so that she will always have the ability to independently service clients on trademark matters.
Idia Egonmwan
Idia Egonmwan is a 2L at Howard University School of Law. At Howard, Idia is a member of the Intellectual Property and Trademark Clinic, the Charles Hamilton Houston National Moot Court Team, and the African Law Students Association. Idia will also serve as the incoming Sisterhood Co-Chair of Epsilon Sigma Iota Sorority, Incorporated, an organization that seeks to empower women of color to pursue leadership roles throughout the legal community. Idia’s interest in intellectual property stems from her career in the retail and fashion industry, prior to law school.
Idia Egonmwan is a 2L at Howard University School of Law. At Howard, Idia is a member of the Intellectual Property and Trademark Clinic, the Charles Hamilton Houston National Moot Court Team, and the African Law Students Association. Idia will also serve as the incoming Sisterhood Co-Chair of Epsilon Sigma Iota Sorority, Incorporated, an organization that seeks to empower women of color to pursue leadership roles throughout the legal community. Idia’s interest in intellectual property stems from her career in the retail and fashion industry, prior to law school.
Jamila James
Jamila James is a second year law student at Howard University School of Law. She serves as Secretary for the Black Law Students Association and is a member of the Intellectual Property Students Association, Sports & Entertainment Law Students Association, as well as the Law Student Division of the American Bar Association. Prior to law school, Jamila graduated summa cum laude from Howard University with a BA in Political Science and a minor in Strategic, Legal, and Management Communications. It was during her undergraduate studies where Jamila’s passion for intellectual property, communications, and entertainment law was solidified. She served in various leadership roles centered in entertainment and communications and began legal internships within these industries as well. Most recently, she has completed a summer internship at NASA Headquarters with the Commercial and Intellectual Property Law Practice Group in the Office of the General Counsel. It is Jamila’s ultimate goal as a Student-Attorney in the Intellectual Property/Trademark Clinic to provide a strong, legal foundation for creators and entrepreneurs that will allow for exponential growth and outreach in their businesses and brands.
Jamila James is a second year law student at Howard University School of Law. She serves as Secretary for the Black Law Students Association and is a member of the Intellectual Property Students Association, Sports & Entertainment Law Students Association, as well as the Law Student Division of the American Bar Association. Prior to law school, Jamila graduated summa cum laude from Howard University with a BA in Political Science and a minor in Strategic, Legal, and Management Communications. It was during her undergraduate studies where Jamila’s passion for intellectual property, communications, and entertainment law was solidified. She served in various leadership roles centered in entertainment and communications and began legal internships within these industries as well. Most recently, she has completed a summer internship at NASA Headquarters with the Commercial and Intellectual Property Law Practice Group in the Office of the General Counsel. It is Jamila’s ultimate goal as a Student-Attorney in the Intellectual Property/Trademark Clinic to provide a strong, legal foundation for creators and entrepreneurs that will allow for exponential growth and outreach in their businesses and brands.
Malik Baker
Malik D. Baker is a second-year law student at the Howard University School of Law from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Prior to law school, Malik studied political science and philosophy (Pre-law) with a minor in criminology at the University of New Mexico. In 2017, Malik was a recipient of the Fred Harris Congressional Internship, a scholarship program that enables select students to travel to Washington, D.C. to learn about policy formulation at the federal level through direct experience. Through the program, Malik interned in the office of U.S. Senator Tom Udall, where he conducted extensive research in the following policy areas: criminal justice, police oversight, healthcare, and SNAP benefits.
Today, Malik serves as Secretary for the Intellectual Property Student Association (IPSA) at Howard University School of Law and is currently working at the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) as a Government Affairs & Policy Fellow contributing to the development and content of APHSA’s weekly membership newsletter This Week in Washington, a publication providing policy and legal updates in the Human Services arena.
Malik's interests include: sports, public policy, politics, film, and exploring the culinary arts.
Malik D. Baker is a second-year law student at the Howard University School of Law from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Prior to law school, Malik studied political science and philosophy (Pre-law) with a minor in criminology at the University of New Mexico. In 2017, Malik was a recipient of the Fred Harris Congressional Internship, a scholarship program that enables select students to travel to Washington, D.C. to learn about policy formulation at the federal level through direct experience. Through the program, Malik interned in the office of U.S. Senator Tom Udall, where he conducted extensive research in the following policy areas: criminal justice, police oversight, healthcare, and SNAP benefits.
Today, Malik serves as Secretary for the Intellectual Property Student Association (IPSA) at Howard University School of Law and is currently working at the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) as a Government Affairs & Policy Fellow contributing to the development and content of APHSA’s weekly membership newsletter This Week in Washington, a publication providing policy and legal updates in the Human Services arena.
Malik's interests include: sports, public policy, politics, film, and exploring the culinary arts.
Lauren Walker
Lauren Walker is a third year student at Howard University School of Law and hopes to practice intellectual property law. Lauren is originally from Philadelphia and spent a number of years there prior to returning to Washington, DC to beginning her legal studies. The district is a second home for Lauren as she attended Howard University for her undergraduate studies where she studied journalism with a minor in Spanish. Lauren is excited about the opportunity to assist clients through her participation in the Trademark Clinic.
Lauren Walker is a third year student at Howard University School of Law and hopes to practice intellectual property law. Lauren is originally from Philadelphia and spent a number of years there prior to returning to Washington, DC to beginning her legal studies. The district is a second home for Lauren as she attended Howard University for her undergraduate studies where she studied journalism with a minor in Spanish. Lauren is excited about the opportunity to assist clients through her participation in the Trademark Clinic.
Bolu Odubayo
Bolu Odubayo is a third-year student at Howard University School of Law and received her B.A. in English from the University of Maryland College Park. She currently serves as the President of HUSL's African Law Students Association. Bolu's main goal is to gain enough skills through this clinic to represent clients on her own and become a resource for the creative people in her life.
Bolu Odubayo is a third-year student at Howard University School of Law and received her B.A. in English from the University of Maryland College Park. She currently serves as the President of HUSL's African Law Students Association. Bolu's main goal is to gain enough skills through this clinic to represent clients on her own and become a resource for the creative people in her life.
Timsha Ayers
Timsha Ayers is Howard University School of Law’s first LLM candidate whose concentration is Intellectual Property Social Justice. Timsha works with the Institute for Intellectual Property and Social Justice, founded by Howard Law professor Lateef Mtima, as a pro bono Fellow and assisting in projects such as Creative Control. Timsha received her Juris Doctor in May 2017 from Charlotte School of Law in Charlotte, NC. Mrs. Ayers is new to the Howard Law Trademark Clinic, and is eager to assist entrepreneurs in obtaining property interest in their intellectual property.
Timsha Ayers is Howard University School of Law’s first LLM candidate whose concentration is Intellectual Property Social Justice. Timsha works with the Institute for Intellectual Property and Social Justice, founded by Howard Law professor Lateef Mtima, as a pro bono Fellow and assisting in projects such as Creative Control. Timsha received her Juris Doctor in May 2017 from Charlotte School of Law in Charlotte, NC. Mrs. Ayers is new to the Howard Law Trademark Clinic, and is eager to assist entrepreneurs in obtaining property interest in their intellectual property.
Brittany Batts
Brittany Batts is a third year student at Howard University School of law. She is a member of the Howard Human and Civil Rights Law review where she currently serves as a Senior Staff Editor. Brittany's interest in intellectual property grew from her undergraduate experiences as a young writer. Brittany is excited to join the Intellectual Property and Trademark Clinic and cannot wait to assist clients with their various needs.
Brittany Batts is a third year student at Howard University School of law. She is a member of the Howard Human and Civil Rights Law review where she currently serves as a Senior Staff Editor. Brittany's interest in intellectual property grew from her undergraduate experiences as a young writer. Brittany is excited to join the Intellectual Property and Trademark Clinic and cannot wait to assist clients with their various needs.
Edward Fultz
Edward Fultz is a second year law student at Howard University School of Law. He is a member of the African Law Students Association, Black Law Students Association, Intellectual Property Law Students Association, Sports and Entertainment Law Students Association, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International, and a Student Representative for BARBRI Bar Review. Prior to law school, Edward was employed as a chess instructor in the Atlanta Area. During law school, he was a judicial intern for the Honorable Calonette McDonald and the Honorable Samuel McClendon at the Office of Administrative Hearings. Edward's interests are in Intellectual Property, Cybersecurity, and Sports Entertainment. He is a first year Intellectual Property & Trademark Clinic Student Attorney and has a passion to help business owners develop their brand.
Edward Fultz is a second year law student at Howard University School of Law. He is a member of the African Law Students Association, Black Law Students Association, Intellectual Property Law Students Association, Sports and Entertainment Law Students Association, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International, and a Student Representative for BARBRI Bar Review. Prior to law school, Edward was employed as a chess instructor in the Atlanta Area. During law school, he was a judicial intern for the Honorable Calonette McDonald and the Honorable Samuel McClendon at the Office of Administrative Hearings. Edward's interests are in Intellectual Property, Cybersecurity, and Sports Entertainment. He is a first year Intellectual Property & Trademark Clinic Student Attorney and has a passion to help business owners develop their brand.
Saibra Noel
Saibra Noel is a third year law student at Howard University School of Law. Her interest in Intellectual Property stems from a creative past involved in the arts. She is prepared to use her legal skills to help protect the creativity and ingenuity of kindred spirits.
Saibra Noel is a third year law student at Howard University School of Law. Her interest in Intellectual Property stems from a creative past involved in the arts. She is prepared to use her legal skills to help protect the creativity and ingenuity of kindred spirits.
Ariana Rainbow
Ariana has lived in all O states (Oklahoma, Oregon, Ohio) but mostly from Oberlin, OH near Cleveland. I did my undergrad at Spelman College. Ariana isinterested in education law, IP, and entertainment law, but open to other practices as well.
Ariana has lived in all O states (Oklahoma, Oregon, Ohio) but mostly from Oberlin, OH near Cleveland. I did my undergrad at Spelman College. Ariana isinterested in education law, IP, and entertainment law, but open to other practices as well.
Meet Our Attorneys
Mariessa Terrell, ESQ.
Mariessa Terrell is a native Washingtonian who has been practicing law for over 16 years, specializing in trademark, copyright, licensing and contracts. Through her firm, SBC Law Group (recently rebranded Innovation P.I., Mariessa provides marketing, software licensing and intellectual property law services to a variety of corporate and business development clients. In 2003, Mariessa created FashionTrademarks.biz, a special division of her firm dedicated to addressing the unique needs of fashion designers, artists and cosmetic companies. In 2006, Mariessa drafted legislation to create a DC Commission on Fashion Arts and Events. In 2013, Mayor Vincent Gray appointed Mariessa to serve as a DC Fashion Commissioner. In 2015 Mariessa assumed the role of Adjunct Professor at Howard Law School and Supervising Attorney of the Howard University School of Law IP Law Clinic.
In addition to practicing law, Mariessa serves as the Executive Director of the High Tea Society, a mentoring program for girls. Mariessa also produces and hosts a 30 min episodic television series featuring her alter ego Simone Butterfly Fabulous Freelance Fashion Investigator. The TV show profiles innovators in the fields of fashion, culinary arts and design and advises on ways to protect their creativity using intellectual property law." Tune in to watch Simone Butterfly Fashion Investigator on Fridays at 9pm on Comcast channel 13; RCN channel 16; Verizon channel 16; or DCN channel 16. www.SimoneButterfly.com
Mariessa Terrell is a native Washingtonian who has been practicing law for over 16 years, specializing in trademark, copyright, licensing and contracts. Through her firm, SBC Law Group (recently rebranded Innovation P.I., Mariessa provides marketing, software licensing and intellectual property law services to a variety of corporate and business development clients. In 2003, Mariessa created FashionTrademarks.biz, a special division of her firm dedicated to addressing the unique needs of fashion designers, artists and cosmetic companies. In 2006, Mariessa drafted legislation to create a DC Commission on Fashion Arts and Events. In 2013, Mayor Vincent Gray appointed Mariessa to serve as a DC Fashion Commissioner. In 2015 Mariessa assumed the role of Adjunct Professor at Howard Law School and Supervising Attorney of the Howard University School of Law IP Law Clinic.
In addition to practicing law, Mariessa serves as the Executive Director of the High Tea Society, a mentoring program for girls. Mariessa also produces and hosts a 30 min episodic television series featuring her alter ego Simone Butterfly Fabulous Freelance Fashion Investigator. The TV show profiles innovators in the fields of fashion, culinary arts and design and advises on ways to protect their creativity using intellectual property law." Tune in to watch Simone Butterfly Fashion Investigator on Fridays at 9pm on Comcast channel 13; RCN channel 16; Verizon channel 16; or DCN channel 16. www.SimoneButterfly.com
