The Foundation for the Advancement of Diversity in Intellectual Property has awarded Alicia Lai, L’21, the prestigious Jan Jancin Award, which recognizes students from diverse backgrounds who have made exceptional contributions to the intellectual property (IP) sector and intend to continue to pursue a career in the field.

Sponsored by the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) and the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Intellectual Property Law, the Jan Jancin Award is specifically geared toward furthering diversity in IP law and is awarded to a student who has exemplified excellence in IP academic studies, written or published IP-related papers, and demonstrated leadership and contributions to IP organizations. Each year, law schools may nominate one student who they believe embodies the excellence the award aims to celebrate. In addition to an honorarium, the winner is also invited to be recognized at the AIPLA annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

Alicia Lai, who also holds an AB in neuroscience from Princeton University, has written and published a number of legal articles that analyze some of the most cutting-edge topics in the sector. During her time at Penn Law, she worked closely with Christopher Yoo, the John H. Chestnut Professor of Law, Communication, and Computer & Information Science, as co-author of an article on Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulation. Ms. Lai has also co-authored four forthcoming pieces alongside Cary Coglianese, the Edward B. Shils Professor of Law and professor of political science, on algorithmic decision-making and public administration. Additionally, she collaborated with Penn Law Board of Overseers Chair Osagie Imasogie, GL’85, to publish a National Law Journal op-ed regarding COVID-19 vaccine patents.