Intellectual Property & Technology Law Concentration

Program Highlights

• Wide variety of core and specialized courses and seminars on topics such as patent, copyright, trademark, unfair competition, privacy and First Amendment
• One-to-one independent research and writing project opportunities with faculty
• Internships with businesses, advocacy groups, government, and international organizations
• Opportunities for networking and career advancement with alumni worldwide

Study Opportunities

• Required courses: three core IP courses (Copyright, Patents, Trademarks).
• Six additional credits related to IP and technology. Choices include multiple advanced patent classes, privacy law, food and drug law, IP transactions, antitrust and IP, IP and climate change, and multiple classes focused on particular technologies or industries.
• Other options: specialized courses throughout the university in areas such as science, public policy, business, or computer science.

Practical Opportunities

• Participation in Intellectual Property Moot Court team
• Writing for Minnesota Journal of Law, Science, & Technology, Minnesota Law Review; Minnesota Journal of International Law; and Minnesota Journal of Law & Inequality.

Employment Opportunities

• The District of Minnesota is among the top 10 jurisdictions for patent cases in the last decade, handling more cases than the federal courts based in either Boston or Los Angeles. This vibrant IP and technology sector offers students opportunities for part-time work during the school year and full-time summer employment.
• Major Twin Cities employers include technology companies with huge patent portfolios and consumer-facing retailers with large numbers of trademarks.
• Prospective employers from around the country come to the Law School to interview students for summer and permanent positions, and the Career Center provides regular notice of employment opportunities, fellowships, and other scholarly opportunities.

Student-Led Opportunities

Student Intellectual Property Law Association (SIPLA): invites practicing lawyers, faculty members, and entrepreneurs to speak to students and discuss cutting-edge legal and technological issues.