University of Pennsylvania’s Detkin Clinic Empowers Socially Conscious Innovators Through Intellectual Property Law

The Detkin Intellectual Property and Technology Legal Clinic (DIPTC) at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School offers law students a unique opportunity to develop their intellectual property skills while aiding clients committed to social impact. As one of eight Gittis Legal Clinics, the DIPTC focuses on helping artists, entrepreneurs, inventors, and nonprofits protect and grow innovative ideas that aim to create positive change locally and globally.

Since its launch, the Clinic has assisted dozens of clients, including three women-owned companies—GenHERation, Dagne Dover, and Remark Glass—that have expanded significantly with the Clinic’s legal support.

Katlyn Grasso W’15, founder of GenHERation, first connected with the DIPTC during her undergraduate studies at Wharton. Motivated by statistics revealing a decline in women’s representation in senior business leadership despite equal entry-level participation, Grasso initiated a research project to identify factors that could close the gender leadership gap.

Supported by Wharton funding, Grasso’s international research underscored the importance of experiential learning opportunities for young women’s leadership development. To address this, she began building a network to connect young women with mentors and opportunities in their fields of interest.

Recognizing the need for legal expertise to protect her initiative, Grasso approached DIPTC Director and Practice Professor Cynthia Laury Dahl. Law students at the Clinic collaborated with Grasso over several semesters, assisting with trademark registration and other intellectual property contracting and licensing necessary to scale GenHERation.

GenHERation has since connected hundreds of thousands of young women with mentors from leading global companies. Grasso’s efforts earned her the inaugural Penn President’s Engagement Prize, which awards $150,000 to graduating seniors developing projects with transformative potential.

JP Tarbutton L’15, who worked with Grasso as a DIPTC student, described the experience as invaluable hands-on learning. After graduation, Tarbutton built a career advising startups, venture capital, and private equity investors in Silicon Valley. He now serves in-house at the Larry H. Miller Company and teaches as an adjunct professor at the University of Utah College of Law.

Tarbutton noted a growing trend of companies pursuing social good alongside profit, citing the rise of public benefit corporations and B Corps. His current employer’s motto, “going about doing good until there’s too much good in the world,” reflects this ethos.

Chanel Lattimer-Tingan L’13, who knew she wanted to specialize in IP before law school, also benefited from the Clinic’s experiential learning. She assisted Dagne Dover, a handbag company founded by Wharton alumni, with trademark registration and legal challenges during its early stages.

Lattimer-Tingan highlighted the ubiquity of intellectual property in everyday life—from clothing and brands to music and technology—and the importance of understanding IP law to protect innovation.

Today, Dagne Dover is a recognized name in sustainable fashion, maintaining a commitment to sustainability amid a fast-fashion dominated market. Lattimer-Tingan often sees the company’s advertisements in New York, a testament to its growth and the foundational legal work supported by the Clinic.

Through the Detkin Clinic, Penn Carey Law students gain practical IP law experience while empowering innovators whose work advances social justice and sustainable business practices. The Clinic exemplifies how intellectual property law can serve as a powerful tool for positive societal change.