Arizona State University Law School Establishes Wolin Family Center to Advance Intellectual Property Law Education

Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law has officially launched the Wolin Family Center for Intellectual Property Law, marking a significant step in the institution’s commitment to intellectual property legal education and industry engagement.

The Wolin Center is designed to serve as a national leader in IP law education by combining a rigorous academic curriculum with hands-on experiential learning and strategic partnerships. It aims to prepare the next generation of attorneys to adeptly navigate the rapidly evolving intellectual property landscape.

Core focus areas of the center include patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Additionally, the center will address emerging and complex topics such as artificial intelligence-generated content, digital copyright challenges, and data privacy concerns.

Stacy Leeds, Willard H. Pedrick Dean and Regents and Foundation Professor at ASU Law, emphasized the center’s role in equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. "The launch of the Wolin Family Center for Intellectual Property Law solidifies ASU Law’s commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in IP law," Leeds stated. She highlighted the integration of academic rigor with mentorship from industry leaders as key to the center’s anticipated national prominence.

The Wolin family’s generous donation underpins the center’s establishment. Harry and Tracy Wolin, the center’s namesakes, have deep roots in the intellectual property field. Harry Wolin, an ASU Law alumnus (JD, 1988), retired in 2024 from AMD, where he served as senior vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary for over two decades. Prior to that, he was vice president of intellectual property and worked in Motorola’s IP department, where he met Tracy.

Harry Wolin remarked on the importance of IP expertise for new lawyers entering the workforce, noting, "It is beneficial for law firms and corporations to have young lawyers enter the workforce with a significant intellectual property background. As a longtime corporate executive in the intellectual property space, I’ve seen the value this provides."

He further expressed confidence in ASU Law’s unique position to deliver outstanding IP education, citing the school’s existing programs and its engagement with the vibrant Phoenix-area IP community. "Tracy and I are pleased to be able to support this initiative and believe ASU Law will develop the preeminent intellectual property program in the country," Wolin added.

Douglas Sylvester, professor of law and executive director of intellectual property at ASU Law, highlighted the center’s role in responding to technological advancements reshaping the legal environment. "The rapid advancement of technology is reshaping the legal landscape, and ASU Law is at the forefront of training the next generation of IP leaders," Sylvester said. He expressed gratitude for the Wolin family’s support in elevating the program.

The Wolin Center will actively foster collaboration with leading technology companies, startups, and policymakers. Its initiatives include student recruitment and mentorship programs, public and corporate externships, and clinical opportunities. Moreover, the center will convene top IP leaders to engage students in cutting-edge discussions on international patent disputes, open-source licensing, and other critical topics.

ASU Law has built a strong foundation in intellectual property law, featuring a top-ranked program, distinguished faculty, and talented students shaping the field’s future. The establishment of the Wolin Center will amplify these efforts by advancing research, education, and real-world impact in IP law.

Beyond academic programming, the center will support students throughout their legal careers by offering scholarships, patent bar preparation, and lifelong engagement opportunities for alumni. With over 70 current faculty members and a broad array of courses, ASU Law is positioned to remain a premier destination for aspiring intellectual property attorneys.

The Wolin Family Center for Intellectual Property Law represents a strategic investment in the future of IP legal education, aligning academic excellence with industry needs and emerging technological challenges.