Mimi Afshar

Professor Mimi Afshar is the Director of the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law Intellectual Property (IP) Clinic and serves as a supervising patent and trademark attorney for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Certified Clinics. With nearly two decades of experience in private practice and as outside counsel, she combines her background in chemical engineering with legal expertise to support NCCU’s IP department.

• Education:
  • Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley
  • J.D., Thomas Jefferson School of Law (summa cum laude)
  • LL.M in Law and Technology, UC Berkeley School of Law (high honors)

Research Interests focus on Intellectual Property Law, particularly patents, trademarks, copyrights, and licensing. Her work intersects with the Pharmaceutical Industry, Chemical Engineering, and emerging issues in Artificial Intelligence and Technology Law. She actively explores equity in IP systems and legal frameworks for AI inventorship.

Recent Publications highlight trends in Intellectual Property and Artificial Intelligence. Her 2025 article addresses racial disparities in the USPTO, while her 2021–2022 works examine AI’s role in patent inventorship and legal ethics.

Professional Affiliations include the California State Bar, USPTO Patent Bar, Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, United States District Court–Southern District of California, and the North Carolina Bar. She provides pro bono services for entrepreneurs, veterans, and legal aid organizations like Casa Cornelia Law Center.