find your perfect LLM program
Search our Database of over 2500 Courses

LLM (Master of Laws) in Intellectual Property Law

The LLM (Masters of Law) in Intellectual Property Law is a program that allows you to study introductory as well as advanced technology and intellectual property. It also enables learners to scrutinise the policies surrounding intellectual property as well as technology.

An LLM in Intellectual Property Law will be taught by leading experts in the field, and some of the topics that are covered include global policy surrounding the law, as well as protection of products, creative works and design, trademarks, products and inventions.

To put it simply, an LLM in Intellectual Property Law studies the laws surrounding patent rights, trade secrets, breach of confidence, database protection, industrial design rights and copyrights.

Find LLM programs in Intellectual Property Law

LLM in Intellectual Property Law – who’s it for?

Intellectual Property LawAn LLM in Intellectual Property Law is designed for law professionals who would like to practice in the fields of technology law, copyrights, trademark and patents. It is for people who want to contribute more to achieve the primary objective of intellectual property law, which is to promote progress. A standard curriculum is inclusive of courses that cover all aspects of intellectual property law ranging from basic courses in technology law, patent, copyrights and trademarks to litigation, enforcement as well as dispute resolution. Professionals can usually choose their LLM in Intellectual Property Law with a focus on technology law or patent.

Where can you study LLM in Intellectual Property Law?

In the United Kingdom, more than 20 universities offer LLM in Intellectual Property Law programs. Examples include, the University of Edinburgh offers the degree program through distance learning which takes nine months, the University of South Wales offers an LLM in Intellectual Property for 12 months, while applicants at the University of Strathclyde take 12 months to qualify for a degree in LLM Internet Law and Policy. Other UK universities offering this program in different variations include Queen Mary, University of London, University of Glasgow and University of West Manchester.

Further education in the United States is dominated by the public sector and professionals looking to pursue an LLM in Intellectual Property can apply to several institutions, including the University of San Diego which focuses on LLM in Comparative Law, University of San Francisco (LLM in Intellectual Property and Technology Law), The John Marshall Law School, Boston University School of Law and more. The above schools offer part time, full time as well as online distance programs.

What qualifications do you need to study an LLM in Intellectual Property Law?

• A good law degree

• Admissions essay otherwise known as personal statement or the statement of purpose

• Recommendations or reference letters

• Applicants whose first degree is not will be required to submit proof of commitment to LLM in Intellectual Property Law

• Applicants from other disciples are also welcome to study LLM in Intellectual Law, particularly if they have experience in this field even if not as lawyers

• English requirements: For those who want to study LLM in Intellectual Property but English is not their first language, an English qualification like IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 is required to prove that your language skills are strong enough to take on intensive academic study. Click here to find out more about English Language requirements for International Students.

While the above are the stipulated minimum requirements, schools often assess applicants individually on their ability to benefit from LLM in Intellectual Property. Places are sometimes offered on the basis of non-standard qualifications and professional or industrial experience.

An LLM in Intellectual Property Law advances careers in…

Licensing management

Counseling in intellectual property

Litigation

Patent assessment

Patent law

Fascinating facts about LLM in Intellectual Property Law

1. A group of recording companies took to the US Court of Appeals accusing Napster Inc of copyright infringement by allowing users to download and share music files in 2000. It’s considered one of the defining cases regarding intellectual property law in the 21st century.

2. Intellectual property dates as far back as the times of medieval Europe

Recommended reading

Intellectual Property Law by Brad Sherman

Intellectual Property: Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks & Allied Rights by Professor William Cornish 

International Patent Litigation Survey: A Survey of the Characteristics of Patent Litigation in 17 Jurisdictions by Matthew L Cutler

The Making of Modern Intellectual Property Law: The British Experience 1760-1911 by Brad, Sherman and Lionel Bentley

WIPO Intellectual Property Handbook: Policy, Law and Use

Protecting Freedom in the Patent System: The Public Foundation’s Mission and Activities by Daniel B Ravicher

The Growth of Intellectual Property: A History of the Ownership of Ideas in the United States by William W. Fisher III

Find LLM programs in Intellectual Property Law

Related articles

6 Reasons To Study An LLM In Intellectual Property Law

Top 10 LLMs In Intellectual Property Law In The United States

Top 10 LLMs In Intellectual Property Law In The UK & Europe

6 Reasons To Study An LLM In Property Law

Data Protection: A Hot LLM Topic

Choosing Your LLM (Master of Laws) Program

Global LLM Study Bursaries