05/07/2026
In February, students at WCL’s Glushko-Samuelson IP Law Clinic secured Patent #12,551,768 B1 from the USPTO for a local high school inventor. Luca Salvatore, a varsity soccer player, noticed how the typical net attachment systems would constantly break after impact from balls and players. He contacted the IP clinic to see if his novel solution to this recurring problem was patentable.
This representation spanned two academic years and involved four IP Clinic student attorneys–Sarah Elliot, Sean Graham, Sydney Myers, and John Seager– supervised by patent supervisor David Grossman and Clinic Director Professor Vicki Phillips. The IP Clinic is part of the school’s highly ranked program that not only gives students hands-on experience but also produces real-world results.
With patent protection now in place, Luca is bringing his line of indestructible soccer goals to the national stage this December at the 57th National Athletic Director's Conference in Arizona. Luca noted "I couldn't have thought of a better way to go about my patent other than working with the IP law team at AU. Truly magnificent and brilliant team of people who are led by some of the most respected professionals in the industry!”
We look forward to seeing our clinic students continue to make a positive impact in the D.C. community and beyond.
