Intellectual Property & Technology Law, LLM

Our Program

Students in the IP and Technology Law LLM program come from diverse backgrounds, including law and science, and many have years of experience in the science and technology fields. The program is open to those with first degrees in law or who have a similar degree or are qualified to practice law in a foreign country. Patent and trademark practitioners are especially encouraged to participate in the program. Students are fully integrated with the JD program, ensuring exposure to diverse points of view and the opportunity to expand their network beyond the LLM program.

In addition to the LLM specific courses, the degree requires a certain number of units of credit in Intellectual Property and Technology Law.  Students enrolled in the LLM in Intellectual Property and Technology Law can choose to also prepare for a U.S. Bar Exam.

Skills training, including hands-on training through externships in Bay Area law firms and businesses and USF’s many in-house law clinics, and career development are key features of the program.  Through the Internet & Intellectual Property Justice Clinic, Students become temporary registered agents under the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Certification Program, allowing them to practice both trademark law and patent law (under faculty supervision).

Much of what I’ve achieved in my career is thanks to USF's excellent professors who gave me a sound foundation in intellectual property law, which is key to my role as the head of Chile’s patent and trademark office.”

Maximiliano Santa-Cruz LLM ’02 Director General of Chile’s National Institute of Industrial Property