LLM in IP

Mahima W

1 1

Posted Apr 23, 2013 11:02

Hi,
I'm considering doing an LLM in intellectual property but someone recently suggested to me that I may be over-qualified for it. When I did my LLB I took Copyrights &Trademarks and Patents, Design & Geographical Indicators as electives for one semester each. I'm of the opinion that those classes gave me a foundation for a career in IP but I don't think 2 undergrad electives was enough to cover enough of the subject to say I'm over-qualified for an IP LLM. After graduation I've worked at a commercial law firm that has IP as one of its specialty areas for just over a year.

Am I over-qualified?

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GradTrain

2 3

Posted Apr 25, 2013 04:13

Over qualified for what purpose? It would probably not hurt your acceptance chances. So no worries here.
The question is why you want the LLM. Is it to get a job later in the country where you study? If so - an LLM can be helpful to set a foot at the door of the new job market.
If you consider it in order to get more knowledge, then because you have background, I'd check the programs you are conidering carefully, to see what the topices are.
Also, an LLM may be an option to focus on one IP area if it makes sense to your career, because it looks you did a little bit of everything (which sounds great!)
Good luck!

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Tristan

30 59

Posted Apr 29, 2013 05:07

Hi,
I'm considering doing an LLM in intellectual property but someone recently suggested to me that I may be over-qualified for it. When I did my LLB I took Copyrights &Trademarks and Patents, Design & Geographical Indicators as electives for one semester each. I'm of the opinion that those classes gave me a foundation for a career in IP but I don't think 2 undergrad electives was enough to cover enough of the subject to say I'm over-qualified for an IP LLM. After graduation I've worked at a commercial law firm that has IP as one of its specialty areas for just over a year.

Am I over-qualified?

I cannot speak for other countries but in the US, to get a foot in the door doing IP work these days, in addition to a law degree, you will, generally, need to have a bachelor's in engineering/computer science or a master's or higher in the natural sciences (i.e. biology, chem, physics, etc.) to even be considered for an interview. Many firms are also looking for candidates who, in addition to the aforementioned educational reqs, have passed the patent bar. An LL.M. is nice if you have all the aforementioned qualifications behind the belt but an LL.B./J.D. and an LL.M. will not suffice. IP law in the US these days is very patent heavy (not as much work in trademark and copyright) hence the aforementioned preferences.

<blockquote>Hi,
I'm considering doing an LLM in intellectual property but someone recently suggested to me that I may be over-qualified for it. When I did my LLB I took Copyrights &Trademarks and Patents, Design & Geographical Indicators as electives for one semester each. I'm of the opinion that those classes gave me a foundation for a career in IP but I don't think 2 undergrad electives was enough to cover enough of the subject to say I'm over-qualified for an IP LLM. After graduation I've worked at a commercial law firm that has IP as one of its specialty areas for just over a year.

Am I over-qualified?</blockquote>

I cannot speak for other countries but in the US, to get a foot in the door doing IP work these days, in addition to a law degree, you will, generally, need to have a bachelor's in engineering/computer science or a master's or higher in the natural sciences (i.e. biology, chem, physics, etc.) to even be considered for an interview. Many firms are also looking for candidates who, in addition to the aforementioned educational reqs, have passed the patent bar. An LL.M. is nice if you have all the aforementioned qualifications behind the belt but an LL.B./J.D. and an LL.M. will not suffice. IP law in the US these days is very patent heavy (not as much work in trademark and copyright) hence the aforementioned preferences.

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