LLM in Intellectual Property Law

The LLM in Intellectual Property Law Program provides fundamental and advanced training in intellectual property law at one of America’s premier law schools for intellectual property studies. 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.

Learning Outcomes

Internationally trained students shall demonstrate:

• A basic understanding of the US legal system.
• Knowledge and understanding of the core doctrines of intellectual property and information 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.

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 to complete 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 ten core courses—Copyright, US Practice of Copyright and Trademark for LLMs, Cybersecurity Law, Information Privacy Law, Intellectual Property for LLMs, Patent Law, Trademark and Unfair Competition, Law and Technology, IP Rights and Commerce in the Global Cloud, and IP Workshop. (The director may waive the core course requirement for students who have sufficiently completed essentially similar work at another law school.)
• Complete at least 5 credits from additional core courses or specified elective courses.
• Participation in LLM Professional Skills Lab: The Professional Skills Lab is an interactive workshop that focuses on core professional competencies, practical skills, long-term career management, and professional identity tools. The Director may authorize an alternative means to satisfy the requirement should a student be excused from attending due to compelling personal circumstances.

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.