The Section of Intellectual Property Law was the second section created by the ABA and the first organized to deal with a special branch of the law. Since 1894, it has contributed significantly to the development of laws relating to intellectual property. With over 25,000 members, the Section is the largest organization of intellectual property professionals in the world.

The importance of intellectual property to the United States and its economy, both at home and in the world community, has risen rapidly and continuously in the 21st century. Ever-increasing advances in technology, including the Internet, business methods, electronic commerce, electronic publishing, downloading and file sharing, social networking, cloud computing, and other dimensions of digital technology, create challenges for corresponding changes in legal responses. Intellectual property laws must be adapted to assure continued legal recognition and rewards for these advances, at the same time preserving a legal environment that is open to and encourages competition and still further innovation.

To keep pace with ongoing challenges, the Section maintains a robust and active role in legal developments concerning intellectual property law. The Section operates substantive committees that deal with aspects of the law as it relates to intellectual property rights under the statutes, common law, and provisions of international treaties. The Section sponsors cutting edge intellectual property issues programming, offering both in-person and webinar educational opportunities. The Section has a growing book publishing portfolio with over 30 titles that cover the spectrum of IP law. In addition, the Section flagship Landslide magazine provides articles on contemporary issues in intellectual property law.