What do you study in an Intellectual Law LL.M.? Intellectual property law—often just called “IP” law—serves to protect the rights of the people who have created artwork, or who own patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property. As you might imagine, the legal issues involved in this area can be thorny—especially in the age of the Internet, when artistic works are shared every day, sometimes legally, and sometimes not—and experienced IP lawyers are often needed to do everything from filing patent applications to drafting licensing agreements, and even defending trademark owners from infringement in court. IP lawyers are increasingly in demand for cases involving technology; see the Top 10 LL.M. Programs in Technology Law here.
An LL.M. program in Intellectual Property Law can help legal professionals get caught-up with current laws around patents, copyrights, and antitrust issues; some LL.M.s might even delve into specific fields where IP law applies, such as entertainment law. Fortunately, there are many career opportunities for a legal professional who has an LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law. Indeed, there are entire law firms dedicated to IP law; jobs can also be found in the legal departments of non-legal firms that own or manage artistic works, technology, or other intellectual property.
Below are the best LL.M.s in IP Law.
Turin, Italy 145 Followers 40 DiscussionsFounded in 1967, the World Intellectual Property Organization is an agency of the United Nations that serves as a policy forum for IP issues. The organization has also funneled its vast knowledge of IP issues into an LL.M. in Intellectual Property, which it jointly runs with the International Training Centre of the International Labor Organization. For students who want to work in IP rights practice, or teach, the LL.M. covers a range of significant topics, from copyright to unfair competition and patents.
Washington, District of Columbia 391 Followers 339 Discussions
GW Law has been teaching IP law for a very long time: the school established a Master of Patent Law program in 1895, back around the time when Nikola Tesla filed a patent for the remote control, and the smoke detector was patented. Today, the school’s LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law helps students skill-up in many contemporary issues in the field: electives cover everything from law in cyberspace to chemical and biotech patent law. In terms of research capacity, the school hosts the Dean Dinwoodey Center for Intellectual Property Studies, which focuses on IP law both domestically and internationally. The school is currently ranked as one of the top 10 for IP law in the publication US News and World Report.
Berkeley, California 1406 Followers 624 Discussions
Near the tech hubs of San Francisco and Silicon Valley, Berkeley has established itself as a leader in the IP law space. Indeed, the school is typically ranked at or near the top of the very top of US News’ best law schools for intellectual property law ranking. Since 1995, the school has hosted the Berkeley Center for Law & Technology; IP-minded LL.M. students can choose to pursue Berkeley’s Law & Technology Certificate.
Stanford, California 889 Followers 418 Discussions
Stanford students can study the school’s LL.M. in Law, Science & Technology, right in the heart of Silicon Valley, where technology issues run up against IP laws in startups and more established tech firms on a daily basis. And the school addresses various aspects of this dynamic intersection with several centers, including the Center for E-Commerce and the Center for Law and the Biosciences.
Washington, District of Columbia 195 Followers 186 Discussions
American University’s Washington College of Law (WCL) offers a standout LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Technology, standing as a beacon for those passionate about this dynamic field. In partnership with IP policy research centers like the Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property (PIJIP), WCL provides unparalleled opportunities for engagement and exploration in intellectual property law. PIJIP, a cornerstone of WCL's academic landscape, is known for its contributions to intellectual property and information law research. With expertise spanning copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, cyberlaw, and international IP, PIJIP's prolific faculty members offer a wealth of knowledge and experience to students. The LL.M. program, complemented by one of the US’ oldest IP Clinics, provides a comprehensive curriculum . WCL's impact program, fostered by PIJIP, serves as a vital platform for research and public discourse on global intellectual property policy issues, reinforcing the school's reputation as a leader in the field. The school is also ranked among the top 10 law schools for IP law by US News.
Fort Worth, Texas 11 Followers 3 DiscussionsTexas A&M School of Law offers a top Intellectual Property (IP) Law Graduate Program, featuring LL.M. and MLS degrees tailored to meet the demands of the global economy. The school consistently ranks among the top 10 in the United States according to U.S. News and World Report. LL.M. students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum covering over 20 specialized IP law courses. The school's strategic location in the Fort Worth/Dallas area provides ample opportunities for professional growth and networking.
Edinburgh, United Kingdom 497 Followers 512 Discussions
One of the leading law schools in Scotland, Edinburgh Law School hosts the Scottish Research Centre for IP and Technology Law—known as SCRIPT—which looks at the interplay between technology, law, and society. The school offers an LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law, in both in-class and online formats.
Toronto, Canada 199 Followers 94 Discussions
"IP Osgoode,” a noted research center at Osgoode Hall Law School, delves deep into legal intricacies at the dynamic crossroads of intellectual property and technology. While the full-time LL.M. program at the school doesn't feature a specialization in IP law, aspiring legal professionals can pursue a part-time Professional LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law. This program caters to individuals seeking to enhance their expertise in this rapidly evolving legal domain while maintaining their professional commitments.
Santa Clara, California 28 Followers 28 DiscussionsSanta Clara University’s School of Law stands as a premier destination for those seeking expertise in intellectual property law, offering a distinguished LL.M. program in Intellectual Property. Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, the epicenter of technological innovation, Santa Clara Law provides close real-world access for those looking to see IP law in action. At Santa Clara Law, students in the LL.M. program benefit from the school's close proximity to industry giants and startups alike, gaining invaluable insights and networking opportunities within this dynamic ecosystem. The High Tech Law Institute, housed within the school, further enriches the academic experience, offering a wealth of resources and programs dedicated to cutting-edge legal issues in the technology sector. The school is also ranked highly for IP law by US News and World Report.
Pretoria, South Africa 149 Followers 11 Discussions
UniSA offers one of the few dedicated LL.M. programs in Intellectual Property Law in the region. And there’s more: Through a partnership with the WIPO Academy, the school also offers an online distance learning specialization in IP law.
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Cardozo School of Law Launches Online LL.M. in Intellectual Property Sep 04, 2020 LLM GUIDE Updates Top LL.M. Lists by Speciality for 2020 Feb 27, 2020 LLM GUIDE Updates Top LL.M. Lists by Speciality for 2019 Feb 26, 2019 LLM GUIDE Launches New "Top 10 Lists" Feature Mar 07, 2017LL.M.s in Taxation, IP Law, and more in San Francisco
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In today's dynamic global landscape, the demand for individuals with specialized legal expertise in Business Law is skyrocketing. As multinational corporations navigate complex geopolitical and financial challenges, the need for lawyers proficient in business law—or corporate law—has surged. Moreover, with clients increasingly seeking enhanced value for their legal services, the competition within the legal industry is intensifying. Acquiring a formal qualification, such as an LL.M. in Business Law, has become essential for professionals aiming to distinguish themselves in this competitive environment. A comprehensive understanding of 'business law’, along with related topics like corporate law and contracts, encompasses a wide array of crucial topics, spanning securities, finance, intellectual property, and employment law. Embarking on an LL.M. in Business Law offers a deep dive into the intricate dynamics of modern commerce. Throughout these programs, students explore foundational principles and advanced concepts. By immersing themselves in these diverse subjects, LL.M. students can gain the specialized knowledge and practical insights necessary to excel in today's competitive legal landscape. Fortunately, numerous prestigious law schools across the globe offer specialized programs tailored to meet the demands of aspiring business law practitioners. These programs may be standalone LL.M. degrees or specialized certificate programs integrated into broader LL.M. curricula. Explore our curated list of the top 10 law schools renowned for their excellence in business law education.
