LLM in Intellectual Property Law Golden Gate University School of Law

The LLM in Intellectual Property program provides up-to-date instruction in such areas as biotechnology law, Internet, and software law. Students delve deeply into the areas of patent, trademark, and copyright law; draft agreements and litigation documents, and learn negotiating tips and strategies.

Program Highlights

Students delve deeply into the areas of patent, trademark, and copyright law; draft agreements and litigation documents, and learn negotiating tips and strategies. The curriculum includes both domestic and international IP law courses and offers an unprecedented level of instruction in legal issues relating to the creative arts with courses in entertainment, sports, and art law.

The Intellectual Property Law Center promotes excellence in teaching and scholarship through a variety of academic and extracurricular programs. It sponsors and develops various activities for students in the local legal community, one of the most robust and sophisticated legal markets for IP law in the world. The Center also sponsors the annual Intellectual Property Law & Policy Conference, which brings together leading thinkers and practitioners to address issues of interest and concern to the IP legal and business communities. Each conference features unique panels of scholars and practitioners in specialty areas of IP law.

Application Requirements

All applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible during the admission cycle. To receive consideration by the Admissions Committee, applicants must submit their applications by the posted deadline. Applications may be accepted after the posted deadline and are reviewed on a space-available basis.

A complete LLM program application consists of the following:

• Completed and signed Application Form;
• Personal Statement;
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (C.V.);
• Character and Fitness Addendum (if applicable);
• Letters of Recommendation;
• Law School Transcripts (translated if not in English);
• Interview (if applicable); and
• Non-US applicants must submit additional documents, including English proficiency demonstrated with either the TOEFL, IELTS, interview with Program Director, or waived for the exceptions.

Curriculum

To earn the LLM in Intellectual Property Law degree, students must complete 24 units. Classes are offered both during the day as well as in the evening to accommodate working professionals. Students may attend full-time and complete the program in as few as two semesters. Alternatively, students may attend part-time. All students must finish the degree requirements within three years of matriculation. LLM students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale each semester.

Required & Recommended Courses

Required for foreign-educated law graduates:

• LLM 350 - Introduction to US Legal Studies (3 units)

Required for every one (9 units):

• Intellectual Property Law Survey (3 units)

At least two of the following courses:

• LAW 823 - Copyright Law of the US (3 units)
• LAW 875 - Patent Law of the US (3 units)
• LAW 891 - Trademark Law of the US (3 units)
• LAW 743B - Privacy Law (3 units)

Elective Courses

(please note that not all courses are offered every year)

• LLM 399 - Directed Study (in IP Law Topic)
• LAW 833D - Entertainment Contracts
• LAW 833 - Entertainment Law
• LAW 896A - Externship: Civil Field Placement (in IP-related placement)
• LAW 743C - Privacy Law and Technology
• LAW 875C - Patent Litigation
• LAW 823D - Intellectual Property Litigation
• LAW 823G - IP Practicum: Patent Law
• LAW 823P - IP Practicum: Trademark and Copyright
• LAW 743C - Privacy Law and Technology
• LAW 875C - Patent Litigation
• LAW 873 - Sports Law
• LLM 386 - Thesis
• LAW 823T - Trade Secret Law
• LAW 827B - Venture Capital Business Transactions