LL.M. IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

EXCELLENCE IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

The University of Akron School of Law Center for Intellectual Property Law & Technology is nationally-respected and renowned for:

  • Providing one of the most comprehensive IP programs in the country — over 20 courses in IP Law
  • Course credit with a United States Patent & Trademark Office trademark clinic every semester (including summer)
  • Hosting distinguished speakers, including regular “Lunch & Learn” speakers to discuss career insights with the student body
  • The annual Akron Law IP Scholars Forum – gathering IP law professors from around the country
  • The Oldham Lecture Series on current IP issues
  • Annual Akron Law IP Symposium – a Midwestern IP conference leader for over 20 years
  • Our Intellectual Property Advisory Council – Akron Law’s advisory board of IP leaders from around the globe

► Watch testimonial video from current students and graduates about why they chose Akron Law for their IP education; also hear from current faculty about the benefits and opportunities available to you in the IP program at Akron Law.

CAREER PLANNING AND PLACEMENT

The Akron Law Career Services office is well-versed in the unique resume and job application procedures IP law students require. The Director of the IP Center and the Assistant Dean for Career Services counsel IP law students on résumé writing, job searching, interviewing skills, and preparing for entrance into the legal profession. Law students participate annually in the national Patent Law Interview Program (PLIP), and the school organizes preparation sessions throughout the academic year for PLIP material and interview preparation as well as Patent Bar studying.

Akron Law students receiving either an IP LLM or IP Certificate have a job placement rate of 100% in the last five years.

Akron’s extensive IP law alumni database enables the IP Center to assist students with networking opportunities nationwide. The office assists in the placement of students in IP-law-related positions during summer sessions and upper-division years.

Graduates receive placement assistance, on request, throughout their careers. Akron’s reputation for excellence in intellectual property law education and high bar passage rate facilitates competitive placements for students and graduates in all areas of practice.

See Career Services at Akron Law for placement statistics and more information about our services.

HOW TO APPLY

In assessing an applicant’s academic record, the committee will pay attention to the nature and quality of the applicant’s previous educational experiences and coursework, in addition to the applicant’s educational institution, grade point average generally and in courses related to intellectual property and business, and class rank. Other factors considered will be advanced degrees, supported by official transcripts and the prospective student’s current work experience, with respect to its quality and the applicant’s performance.

Before a candidate may be considered for LL.M. admission, we must receive the following items:

  1. A complete LL.M. application
  2. Original, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  3. A personal statement addressing your preparation for and interest in an LL.M. degree in IP. Consideration will be given to work experience in intellectual property or related business experience, as a student or practitioner, as well as to any obstacles that you have overcome. The personal statement may not be longer than two pages.
  4. A two-page resume should preferably include education and employment on the first page and publications and awards on the second page.

Please note that an "entry level" law degree is required before one may pursue the LL.M. program. In the United States, this degree is the Juris Doctor, or J.D., degree. In many countries outside the U.S., the degree is called the Bachelor of Laws and Letters, or LL.B.

For international students

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Students in our LL.M. program should be prepared to read and discuss legal materials. Because class preparation and participation is demanding, students with English limitation may struggle. For this reason, we utilize the TOEFL and IELTS exams to ensure that you will not unduly struggle in the classroom.

  • Required scores on the TOEFL IBT (internet based test) are a 102 and 610 for the PBT (paper based test). Register for the TOEFL.
  • Required score on the IELTS is a 7.5. Register for the IELTS.
  • Effective Fall 2023, TOEFL/IELTS waivers will not be granted for international/non-native English speaking students.