Intellectual property is at the heart of creativity, innovation, and commerciality. This area of law deals with rights to expression, inventions, and commercial marks. More specifically:
- Copyright law applies to expression – think of art, music, literature, film, sculptures, and ornamental design.
- Patent law applies to inventions – think of new gadgets and devices; innovative electrical, mechanical, and chemical applications; and unique ways of performing tasks.
- Trademark law applies to marks used in commerce – think of brand names, memorable commercial images, and distinctive product designs or packaging.
Our course offerings teach the fundamental principles for practicing intellectual property law. They provide a foundation for careers in copyright, trademark, and patent law. Any general business lawyer would benefit from studying in this area of law.
We offer a wide range of relevant courses. Not every course is offered regularly, and to be a well-rounded lawyer you should take many other courses as well.
Courses focused on the topic
- Copyright and Trademark Law
- International Intellectual Property
- Patent Law
Courses aware of the topic
- Covenants Not to Compete in Trade Secrets Litigation
- Drafting Business Agreements
- Media Law
- Technology and the Practice of Law
- Technology Law: Law of the Newly Possible
Other relevant courses
A wide variety of additional courses are relevant to the working of an IP attorney, including:
- Administrative Law
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Business Torts
- Contract Law
- Drafting Business Agreements
- Interviewing, Counseling, and Negotiating
- Transnational Law
Relevant combination degrees include Business, Mass Communication, and Economics
Relevant student organizations include:
- IP Law Society
- Sports and Entertainment Law Society
These (and other) faculty and staff may be available to advise you, supervise your own legal research ("SLR"), or hire you as a research assistant. Learn about them through their biographies, and then consider reaching out.
- South Carolina Bar Intellectual Property and Innovation Law Committee
- Related areas include Technology Law