Our Summer Intern Spotlight series features brief interviews with students who have been learning about intellectual property law and the work we do for the firm’s clients.

Hi Claire Pearce! Where are you in school?

A: I’m a rising junior at Davidson College in North Carolina.

Do you have a favorite subject?

A: I took Applied Ethics in Fall 2020, which was great – we covered a lot of “hot-button” topics and were able to have discussions using our own opinions along with current and past articles.

What is your interest in IP?

A: I am very interested in the protection of people’s ideas/images/words – specifically with an interest in trademarks and copyrights.

What do you hope to learn with us this summer?

A: I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the trademark and copyright side of IP Law. I am also hoping to gain even more insight into the path to law school and beyond.

What have you learned so far?

A: I’ve learned a lot so far this summer. I have gotten to see, edit, and work on patent applications as well as do trademark searches for active clients. The trademark search was the most interesting to me because it showed how complicated and thorough the search process needs to be to ensure a unique design.

What are your hobbies?

A: I have been dancing for 18 years and continue to do so at Davidson. In addition to dancing, I love spending time with my family up in Northern Wisconsin over the summer.

Do you participate in any extracurricular activities?

A: I am the Company Manager for Davidson’s Gamut Dance Company and Resident Advisor in the sophomore dorm. I’m the Publicity Chair and Event Planner for the Pre-Law Society, and member and Formal Chair for Warner Hall Eating House (like a sorority).

Anything else you’d like to share?

A: Criminal Minds is my favorite TV show to binge. I have one cat and one dog (Cinnamon and Libby). I’ll be taking a class this coming year called “Schooling Pandemics”, which should be an interesting reflection of the last year and a half!