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Mitchell Hamline demonstrated exceptional student talent and alumni expertise in intellectual property law through an impressive showing at the National Patent Application Drafting Competition<\/a> regional round in March. More than 45 teams competed in regional rounds throughout the country, and Mitchell Hamline is one of only five schools advancing as finalists to the national competition round, along with Harvard Law School, University of Wisconsin Law School, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, and University of California, Berkeley School of Law.<\/p>\n Hosted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the National Patent Application Drafting Competition challenges students to draft and defend a full patent application based on a hypothetical invention, culminating in oral presentations before experts in USPTO practice. The national round will be hosted on April 17 at the USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Va.<\/p>\n Mitchell Hamline\u2019s two teams took first and second place in the Southwest Regional Round, representing the school well among a talented field of competitors from 11 other law schools.<\/p>\n Mitchell Hamline School of Law\u2019s finalist team (from top left): Haley Beann, Scott Dombroski, Sam Fandel, Justin Johnson, coach Peter Heinonen, and coach Eric Phillips.<\/p><\/div>\n The first-place team advancing to the national round included students Haley Beann, Scott Dombroski, Sam Fandel, and Justin Johnson and was coached by Peter Heinonen \u201921, patent attorney at Shumaker & Sieffert, and Eric Phillips \u201921, patent attorney at Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner (SLW).<\/p>\n \u201cIt has been wonderful to collaborate with the students and observe their understanding of patent law develop throughout the semester,\u201d said Phillips. \u201cIt has also been rewarding to see them work together and gain confidence in their abilities. We are excited about the opportunity to showcase Mitchell Hamline\u2019s excellent IP programs at the national finals.\u201d<\/p>\n The second-place team included students David Cecchini, Jenna Lieberman, and Nathan Steeves and was coached by Tim Busse, partner at Christensen Fonder Dardi, and Andrew Auderieth \u201918, IP attorney at Christensen Fonder Dardi.<\/p>\n \u201cBoth these teams did excellent work,\u201d said Intellectual Property (IP) Institute Director Carl Moy. \u201cTheir ability to perform at this level is a testament to the capabilities and hard work of the students, the expertise and skill of the dedicated coaches, and the strength and relevance of our academic program.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mitchellhamline.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/03\/National-Patent-Application-Drafting-Competition-finalists-March-2026-300x225.jpg\")