LLM in Intellectual Property & Information Law

In a world where people can send infinite copies of digital assets around the globe, instantly and at no cost, clients demand competent counsel to protect their substantial interests in intellectual properly. Few schools will better prepare you for this challenge than BU Law. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks us among the nation’s top schools for intellectual property law studies. Each year, we invite a select group of lawyers to seize the future through advanced training in this all-important field.

The emphasis of the program is on the core doctrines of copyright, patent, trademark, and unfair competition, with expansive electives in such areas as digital technology and electronic networks, biotechnology, entertainment law, and technology commercialization.

The program faculty includes the School of Law’s full-time professors and experienced practitioners from Boston’s boutique firms and technology companies, who bring practical experience to the classroom.

Internationally trained students shall demonstrate:

• A basic understanding of the US legal system.
• An understanding of the core doctrines of intellectual property law.
• An ability to use legal authority and perform legal analysis.
• Proficiency in legal English in both written and oral communications.

Domestically trained students shall demonstrate:

• Knowledge and understanding of the core doctrines of intellectual property law.

The LLM in Intellectual Property Law Program is highly selective and, therefore, extremely small. On average, the program enrolls five or fewer students each year. Approximately 80 percent of the program’s students are foreign-trained. Among the foreign-trained students who have gained admission are those who have demonstrated an impressive track record in prior intellectual property law studies or practice—as well as a solid command of English writing and verbal skills.

Degree Requirements

The LLM in Intellectual Property Law Program is designed to be completed in one academic year of full-time study and follows the school’s JD calendar, with classes beginning in late August and ending in May. The LLM in Intellectual Property Law Program, a 24-credit program, is only offered on a full-time residential basis starting in the fall semester. One can anticipate completing the program in two semesters.

To earn the LLM in Intellectual Property Law, students must:

• Complete a minimum of 24 credit hours—with at least 10 credits a semester.
• Obtain a final weighted average of at least 2.30 (C+).
• Take three of the four core courses—Intellectual Property, Copyright, Patents, and Trademark & Unfair Competition. (The director may waive the core course requirement for students who have sufficiently completed essentially similar work at another law school.)
• Participate in a 3-credit Intellectual Property LLM Workshop Series during the spring semester of study.

Domestically Trained Students

Domestically trained students must complete their 24 credits in intellectual property and related classes.

Internationally Trained Students

Candidates with foreign law degrees must take Introduction to American Law and a legal research & writing seminar (unless waived with the permission of the director), each for 2 credits in the fall semester. Internationally trained students must complete their remaining 20 credits from intellectual property and related classes.