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For those interested in a career in law without the need to complete a Juris Doctor (JD) program, a career as a patent agent is a viable path. Patent agents and patent practitioners are professionals who have passed a registration exam through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), enabling them to draft and file patents on behalf of their clients. 

United States inventors rely on patents to protect their ideas. These provide exclusive rights for inventions, safeguarding today's most inspiring innovators against unfair competition and commercial exploitation.

What does it mean to lead one of Minnesota Law's student journals? We asked each of our incoming Editors-in-Chief about their upcoming role, what they're looking forward to, and their goals for the year ahead. Read their Q&As and get to know the students who will be leading our journals this year.

The Honorable George O. Petersen ’64, passed away on June 3, at age 87. He was a Ramsey County judge for nearly three decades.

Petersen loved the Boundary Waters, fishing, camping, woodworking, golf, and gathering with family. He was highly regarded by his colleagues for his commitment to fairness and integrity. His quiet wisdom, steadfast character, and deep love for those around him will be greatly missed.

Laurance R. Waldoch ’69 passed away on June 23 at age 81. He was raised in Forest Lake, Minnesota, on his family’s farm. He was a 1969 graduate of the University of Minnesota Law school, graduating cum laude.

Professor Roger C. Park, a former University of Minnesota Law School professor and scholar has passed away. Park was a leading authority in evidence law whose scholarship played a central role in shaping both legal education and the doctrinal development of evidentiary rules in the United States. Following his 22 years at Minnesota Law, he taught at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) from 1994 to 2025. 

The University of Minnesota Law School is thrilled to announce that Rebecca Hollander-Blumoff is joining the faculty as the Harlan Albert Rogers Professor in Law beginning fall 2026.

A Master of Science in Patent Law can help STEM professionals in science, technology, and engineering,  leverage their technical expertise to protect inventions and shape innovation policy. A patent law degree program equips professionals with the legal and technical fluency necessary for navigating patents and intellectual property systems.

Many people assume you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree to work in patent law. However, you can actually pursue a number of rewarding careers in patent law without a doctorate degree — especially if your undergraduate background is in engineering, technology, or a scientific field.

So, what is the best degree for patent law career paths? Do you need a law degree for the patent bar? What do you need to understand for patent law work?

The University of Minnesota Law School mourns the passing of Judge David S. Doty ’61, one of our most distinguished alumni, a devoted supporter of Minnesota Law, and one of the most influential jurists in the history of the federal judiciary in Minnesota.