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Joseph F. Rice School of Law

  • Susan Kuo teaching class

Intellectual Property

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 (andother) 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. 


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