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Intellectual Property Law Certificate

Intellectual property (IP) law is at the heart of today’s most exciting industries, from groundbreaking tech innovations to digital media. Earn an IP Law Certificate and learn the latest approaches to protecting intellectual creation, discovery, and invention­, including copyrights, trademarks, and patents. As an IP lawyer, you’ll work with creators, inventors, and businesses to protect their ideas.

To earn an Intellectual Property Law Certificate, a student must:

  • Complete at least nine units of approved coursework in the subject area.
  • Complete a practicum requirement related to Intellectual Property Law.
  • Complete an upper-level writing requirement analyzing an issue relating to Intellectual Property Law.

Required Courses

Students must complete at least 6 units from the list below:

  • Copyright Law (3 units)
  • Intellectual Property Survey (3 units)
  • Patent Law (3 units)
  • Trademark Law (3 units)

Elective Courses

The following law school electives can be applied to the certificate. Not all law school electives are offered every year.

Any remaining units (to reach a minimum of 9) must be completed from the approved courses listed below.

  • Antitrust Law (3 units)
  • Art Law (3 units)
  • Information Privacy (3 units)
  • Intellectual Property Seminar (3 units)
  • Patent Licensing & Monetization (2 units)
  • Legal Issues in Sports (3 units)

Practicum Requirement

To earn the certificate, a student must participate in a practical experience focused on intellectual property law.  Students can choose from any of the opportunities listed below:

  • Externship / Paid Work: Participate in an externship or paid legal work focused on Intellectual Property Law for the equivalent of three units. Students may work with companies or other institutions specializing in IP issues and can apply to participate in the In-House Counsel Externship Program.
  • Internet and IP Justice Clinic: Participate in the Internet and IP Justice Clinic, which provides hands-on experience in addressing intellectual property.
  • Specific Skills Classes: Take specific skills classes, including Intellectual Property Litigation Skills.
  • Moot Court Competition Team: Lefkowitz Competition plus workshop.

Writing Requirement

Students must complete a substantial research paper or memorandum analyzing an issue related to Intellectual Property Law. The paper must:

  • Identify and explain the legal issue.
  • Analyze controversies and challenges.
  • Propose and assess potential solutions.

The paper must meet the standards for an upper-level research and writing requirement. It can be completed in a seminar, through directed research with a professor, or as part of a practicum project.

Application

Students may apply during their second-to-last semester of law school. The IP Law Certificate will become available beginning fall 2025.