Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Intellectual Property

In today's global, information-based economy, it is more important than ever to acquire a sophisticated understanding of intellectual property (IP) law. Whether you pursue an IP career, own a start-up, or are involved in crafting IP or technology policies for your country, our uniquely designed Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Intellectual Property will prepare you for the complex and ever-evolving IP and technology law landscape.

The IP LL.M. degree is designed for students who already hold a J.D. degree or a first law degree from a non-U.S. law school. This degree targets practicing attorneys, U.S. law school graduates, and international law students, including those wanting to sit for the Texas ​Bar ​Examination.

Nationally Ranked Program ​with Global ​Scope

As a leading international hub for IP education and research, Texas A&M University School of Law and its Center for Law and Intellectual Property (CLIP) offer superb education in IP and technology law and policy. In the past four years, peer surveys conducted by U.S. News and World Report have ranked Texas A&M consistently among the top 10 intellectual property law programs in the United States. As a Tier 1 research institution and the fourth-largest university in the United States, Texas A&M University is widely recognized both within and outside the United States, making our degrees highly marketable.

Internationally Renowned IP Faculty

Texas A&M Law has seven IP faculty members, including leading scholars in all major areas of IP law (copyright, patent, trademark, and international IP law). We also boast one of the lowest student-faculty ratios in the IP field in law schools across the country. Not only will they share their expertise with you in the classroom, but they will also be partners in your success and you will become part of their global professional IP network.

Innovative IP Curriculum & Clinics

Our comprehensive and innovative IP curriculum is specially designed by our experienced ​faculty which is widely recognized for teaching excellence and proven leadership in IP education. We offer over 20 basic IP courses and advanced seminars as well as three IP law clinics – a rarity among U.S. IP law programs.

The​ Master of Laws (LL.M.) program of study requires the successful completion of at least 24 credit hours.

• The typical full-time LL.M. student will enroll in 12 semester credit hours allowing for the completion of the program within one academic year (two long semesters – fall and spring).
• A part-time LL.M. student must enroll in at least 5 semester credit hours to qualify for federal financial aid. A student attending courses during the fall, spring, and summer semesters can complete the program within two years.

Curriculum

Foundational Courses

• Copyright Law (3)
• Intellectual Property (3)
• International Intellectual Property (2 - 3)
• Patent Law (3)
• Trademark & Unfair Competition Law (3)

Additional Courses: Expand the width and breadth of your IP scholarship or focus on your primary interest (Please note: Not all courses are available every year. This list includes past, current, and upcoming courses.​)

• Advanced Topics in Intellectual Property Seminar (2)
• Art, Cultural Heritage, and the Law (2-3)
• Art Law (2-3)
• Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, & Business Seminar (Special Topics) (2)
• Communications Law (Special Topics) (2)
• Entertainment Law (2)
• Fashion Law (Special Topics) (1)
• Information Privacy Law (2 - 3)
• International and Comparative Trademark Law (Special Topics) (2)
• International Intellectual Property Seminar (Special Topics) (2)
• Internet Law (3)
• Pre-Suit Patent Litigation (1 - 2)
• Sports Law (3)
• The Information Society Seminar (2)

Experiential/Clinical Courses: Gain real-world experience and skills working with actual clients Open to J.D. and LL.M. students

• Entrepreneurship Law Clinic (3)
• Patent Clinic (Special Topics) (3-4)
• Trademark & Copyright Clinic (Special Topics) (4-6)

Admissions Decisions

Admission decisions are based on a thorough review of each applicant’s file. While the strength of the applicant’s complete academic record figures prominently in the process, a multitude of factors are considered in ascertaining an applicant’s probability of successfully completing the program of study. While satisfying the minimum admission criteria qualifies the applicant to be considered, meeting the minimum criteria for admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the program.

Prior Degree Requirements

• Applicants for admission must have an earned Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Foreign educated lawyers must possess a degree equivalent to the Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Timetables

• By cohort:
  • For Fall: Application deadline: July 1
  • For Spring: Application deadline: November 1
• Applications are ​accepted on a rolling basis with cohorts starting Fall, and Spring.
• Applications and all associated paperwork will need to be submitted through LSAC or to the law school directly in a timely manner ​to ensure you matriculate into your preferred cohort.
• We encourage you to apply early to receive a timely admissions decision.
• The Admissions Committee will give careful consideration to timely submitted applications until reaching program capacity.

Application

All LL.M. applicants may register with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) LL.M. Credential Assembly Service in order to access the electronic application and submit the required documents necessary to complete the admissions process via LSAC or apply through the school of law directly.

Required for Admission

To be considered for admission, an applicant may submit the following items through the LSAC LL.M. Credential Assembly Service or choose to apply through the school of law directly via pdf form:

• A completed LL.M. application through LSAC or the pdf application if applying to the school of law directly.
• Application fee (non-refundable)
  • $65 for the U.S. educated applicants and $90 for foreign-educated applicants. Submit a check or money order payable to Texas A&M University.
• A descriptive resume including details about:
  • The applicant’s educational background, honor societies, military service, extracurricular activities, public/community service, honors and awards, publications, foreign language proficiencies, and any other significant achievements and involvements.
  • The applicant’s relevant work history. Be sure to include the name of the employer or organization, location, dates of employment, position(s) held, a general description of duties performed, and any employer-recognized achievements.
• A statement of interest typed, double-spaced not exceeding two pages. The statement should address:
  • The applicant’s program of interest – see options listed above.
  • The applicant’s educational and professional experiences have prepared him or her for advanced legal study.
  • The applicant’s professional plans and goals following completion of the program of study.
• Statements, if applicable, explaining affirmative answers to questions in the Character and Fitness section of the application.
• Two letters of recommendation, submitted through the LSAC LL.M. Credential Assembly Service, attesting to the applicant’s readiness for advanced legal study. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit recommendation letters from current or former law school professors and past or present supervisors. Letters of recommendation based primarily on personal relationships should be avoided.
• Official academic transcripts, submitted either through the LSAC LL.M. Credential Assembly Service or to the school of law directly, from all undergraduate, graduate, and law schools attended, including final transcripts reflecting the conferral of all degrees earned – associates, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral.

Foreign Educated Lawyers - Transcript Evaluation:

Foreign-educated applicants, those who completed their bachelor’s degree outside the U.S., its territories, or Canada, are required to submit all transcripts with an official English translation. Official translations must be prepared by a recognized translation service and include all original seals and/or signatures. Applicants currently attending a U.S. institution may arrange for their current school to submit copies of their official transcript(s) directly to the School of Law (See Page 10 of the application pdf).

Foreign Educated Lawyers - English Language Proficiency:

In addition to all other application requirements, foreign-educated applicants must demonstrate their English language proficiency. Applicants should consult the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies for the most up-to-date information regarding English proficiency verification.

Once the applicant completes and submits the electronic application, the law school will automatically request an official copy of the LL.M. Credential Assembly Service report from LSAC. Please note, an application will not be considered complete until the law school receives each of the items listed above through the LSAC LL.M. Credential Assembly Service.

The 21st-century lawyer has to do more than just try cases in court. You’ll need the ability to negotiate agreements, draft contracts, craft settlements, and mediate disputes. At Texas A&M University School of Law, we’ve got you covered. Our innovative J.D. program emphasizes the importance of real-world legal skills that will fully prepare you for all aspects of your career.

There is more than one type of lawyer. In the 21st century, practicing lawyers serve a wide variety of clients in various capacities and in countless industries. At Texas A&M University School of Law, you can keep your options open by pursuing a broad education. Or you can choose one of three distinct paths that we offer. Within each of these paths, you can even choose to focus on particular areas of practice, like intellectual property or oil and gas law.

Choosing a law school means choosing your home for the next few years, and you won’t find a better place to learn and live than Fort Worth. Fort Worth offers unsurpassed quality of life, a legal community that welcomes and mentors young lawyers, and access to a broad range of employers in various practice settings including law firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the legal departments of corporations.