Top 10 LL.M. Programs in Patent Law

As ground-breaking innovations emerge, protecting these creations becomes crucial for inventors, companies and society as a whole. One branch of law that plays a pivotal role in safeguarding innovation is patent law. With its intricate web of rules and regulations, patent law demands specialized knowledge and expertise to navigate successfully.

For aspiring legal professionals seeking to delve into the intricacies of patent law, pursuing an LL.M. degree with a focus on patent law can be a transformative educational experience. The degree offers an immersive and comprehensive curriculum that equips students with the necessary skills to handle the complexities of IP protection, patent prosecution, and patent litigation.

By immersing themselves in coursework specifically tailored to patent law, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework surrounding patents, ensuring they can effectively counsel clients on patentability, infringement, and validity issues.

Practical training are key features of many reputable programs. From drafting patent applications to conducting patent searches, LL.M. students have the chance to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, honing their skills under the guidance of seasoned patent attorneys and professors.

Furthermore, many LL.M. programs offer courses that explore the complexities of international patent systems, enabling students to navigate the intricacies of filing and protecting patents on an international scale. This global perspective equips graduates with a competitive edge in a market where cross-border patent disputes are becoming more prevalent.

With a specialized curriculum, practical training opportunities, and a global outlook, an LL.M. in patent law equips students with the tools to excel in their careers.

Stanford, California 887 Followers 419 Discussions
Stanford

Stanford Law School offers an LL.M. degree with a concentration in Law, Science, and Technology. This program covers various aspects of IP law, including patents, patent law and patent litigation. Stanford is renowned for its excellence in legal education, scoring highly in numerous rankings.

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Berkeley, California 1398 Followers 621 Discussions
Berkeley Law

UC Berkeley’s Law School provides the LL.M. Law & Technology Certificate program, which encompasses patent law and other areas of IP. Berkeley is located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, which is a global center for technology and innovation. This proximity to offers access to tech companies and legal offices specializing in patents.

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Washington, District of Columbia 390 Followers 339 Discussions
George Washington

The LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law at George Washington University Law School includes courses dedicated to patent law, such as patent strategies, enforcement and proceedings. The program places you in the heart of Washington, D.C., which is a hub for legal and policy activities, including those related to patent law.

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Munich, Germany 85 Followers 67 Discussions

The Munich Intellectual Property Law Center offers an LL.M. program with a specialization in Intellectual Property and Competition Law.  The law school focuses specifically on these subjects, providing an in-depth understanding of patent law and other related areas. As a city, Munich is a hub for the high tech and life sciences industry in Germany.

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Concord, New Hampshire 46 Followers 59 Discussions
UNH

Franklin Pierce Center for Intellectual Property in New Hampshire offers an LL.M. program with a strong emphasis on IP law, via the Franklin Pierce Center for Intellectual Property. The LL.M. has one of the most respected and comprehensive patent law and practice programs in the country.

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London, United Kingdom 941 Followers 904 Discussions
QMUL

The LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law at Queen Mary University of London provides a range courses on patent law. The degree places you in one of the world’s leading legal and commercial centers; London is home to numerous law firms and patent law organizations, providing access to industry events, internships, and employment opportunities.

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New York City, New York 135 Followers 129 Discussions
Yeshiva - Cardozo School of Law

Cardozo School of Law offers an LL.M. program in Intellectual Property Law, with a focus on patent law as well as copyright and trademark law. The program emphasizes practical learning and skills development, with opportunities to engage in experiential learning through clinics and externships in New York City, a global center for business, technology, and innovation. These hands-on experiences allow you to work on real-world patent law cases. 

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Seattle, Washington 100 Followers 82 Discussions
UW School of Law

The University of Washington School of Law has a strong reputation for its expertise in patent law. It offers the LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law and Policy in Seattle, a hub for technology, innovation and startups. The program takes an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating insights from various fields, such as business, economics, ethics and public policy.

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Chicago, Illinois 29 Followers 29 Discussions

The John Marshall Law School provides an LL.M. program in Intellectual Property Law, which includes courses specifically dedicated to patent law. Those include biotechnology patent law, international patent law, and also a patent law clinic, providing students with opportunities to apply theory in practice.  

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Stockholm, Sweden 253 Followers 118 Discussions
Stockholm

Sweden’s Stockholm University offers an LL.M. focused in European Intellectual Property Law, with a heavy emphasis on patent law, especially biotechnology patents and how they are affected by globalization. This specialized program provides an in-depth understanding of the patent law framework within the European Union (EU) and its member states.

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These unordered lists were compiled by LLM GUIDE's editors, taking to account existing rankings and other factors. Read more on the Methodology page

To read about rankings, see LLM GUIDE's Law School Rankings page.