American Intellectual Property Law Association

“The executive committee consists of the president, the president-elect, the first vice president, the second vice president, and the immediate past president. During the intervals between meetings of the board of directors, the executive committee shall possess and may exercise all the powers and functions of the board of directors in the management and direction of the affairs of the corporation in all cases in which specific direction shall not have been given by the board of directors. All material actions of the executive committee shall be reported to the board of directors at its next meeting succeeding such action. A record of the executive committee's decisions shall be kept.”

“The organization has the following categories of membership: regular, patent agent, junior, patent agent-junior, associate, academic, government, honorary, life, judicial, pto, government affiliate, ip professional affiliate, and ip paralegal/technical advisor.”

“The following categories of membership may vote and hold office: regular, junior, associate, academic, government, honorary, and life.”

“The bylaws may be amended by the board of directors or by a referendum vote by mail (a) when authorized by the board of directors or (b) when authorized by the membership.”

“The draft form 990 will be reviewed by the director of finance and accounting & chief operating officer first, then management, the audit & finance committee and the entire board of directors before the organization files the form 990.”

“Aipla's reputation for integrity is its most valuable asset and is directly related to the conduct of its officers and other employees. Therefore, employees must never use their positions with aipla, or any of its members, for private gain, to advance personal interests or to obtain favors or benefits for themselves, members of their families or any other individuals, corporations or business entities. Aipla adheres to the highest legal and ethical standards applicable in our business. Aipla's business is conducted in strict observance of both the letter and spirit of all applicable laws and the integrity of each employee is of utmost importance. Employees of aipla shall conduct their personal affairs such that their duties and responsibilities to aipla are not jeopardized and/or legal questions do not arise with respect to their association or with aipla.”

“The board shall have the power to determine the duties and compensation of the employees of the corporation and, upon recommendation of the president and president-elect, shall have the power to employ and discharge an executive director. The executive director shall recommend to the board of directors for their approval the duties and compensation of the employees of the corporation, and all employees of the corporation shall report and be responsible to the executive director. The board of directors designates the executive committee to serve as the compensation committee in terms of determining the executive director's compensation. The committee makes use of comparative data from compensation surveys as well as data from reviewing other organizations' 990s. Similarly, when determining compensation for the employees of the association, the executive director makes use of similar comparative data from compensation surveys and data from other 990s.”

“The organization makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public upon request, for the same period of disclosure set forth in section 6104(d).”

“The process for overseeing the audit of the financial statements and selection of an independent accountant that audited the financial statements has been consistent with prior years.”