WASHINGTON, D.C. — The George Washington University Law School has honored alumni Eugene L. Bernard and his wife, Barbara, by naming its newly established center for law and technology after them. This recognition comes following a significant donation from the Bernards aimed at enhancing GW Law’s Intellectual Property and Technology Law programs.
Eugene Bernard, a distinguished member of the 1951 graduating class, had a notable career practicing intellectual property law in Washington, D.C., impacting the field significantly. He achieved a landmark victory before the United States Supreme Court in the 1980 case of Dawson Chemical v. Rohm & Haas, a pivotal moment that established crucial aspects of patent infringement law. In addition to his legal accomplishments, Bernard was deeply involved with the university, serving on its Board of Trustees. He and Barbara, married for 67 years, later retired to Palm Beach, Florida.
GW Law Dean Dayna Bowen Matthew expressed profound gratitude for the Bernards’ contributions. She noted that their generous support was vital in expanding the newly named GW Center for Law and Technology, further cementing the law school’s reputation as a leader in the fields of intellectual property, privacy, and technology law. Matthew emphasized the legacy that Eugene and Barbara have established through their commitment to legal education, stating that the Center will play a fundamental role in intersections of law and technology.
First introduced in late 2023, the Bernard Center aims to shape the landscape of intellectual property and tech law through education, scholarship, and influential events. It is home to notable scholars specializing in Privacy, Cybersecurity, AI, and Technology Law, working collaboratively to address critical legal challenges.
Since its launch, the Center has expanded its faculty, appointing Adrienne Fowler as the Assistant Dean of Privacy and Technology Law and Deputy Director of the Bernard Center. It has introduced a specialized concentration in Privacy, Data Security, and Technology Law for J.D. students and initiated the GW Law Journal of Law and Technology. The Center has also hosted various events, including an annual lecture series featuring leading scholars from across the nation.
Fowler remarked on the significance of the Bernards’ contributions, stating that their support was essential for launching the Center, which is poised to continue making impactful strides in the fields of intellectual property and technology law for years to come.
Additionally, the Bernard Center is committed to interdisciplinary collaboration across traditionally separate legal disciplines. John Whealan, Associate Dean for Intellectual Property Law and Director of the Bernard Center, highlighted that the Center enhances GW Law’s already strong reputation in these areas, ensuring the Bernards’ legacy will resonate into the future.
This initiative represents a transformative step for the law school, positioning it as a central hub for pressing issues in law and technology for generations to come.
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