Learn More and ApplyIntellectual Property Law & Information Technology (LLM)

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DePaul’s LLM in Intellectual Property Law & Information Technology is regarded as one of the most extensive programs in the country, and the Center for Intellectual Property Law & Information Technology (CIPLIT®), which oversees the program, is an innovative leader in the field. With numerous course offerings, the program addresses the need for specialized training in intellectual property and information technology law.

Courses must be selected from the LLM in Intellectual Property Law & Information Technology courses. Candidates must complete three required courses and five electives. The LLM program may be completed on either a full- or part-time basis but must be completed within five years.

Program Requirements Semester Hours
Core Requirements 9
Elective Requirements 15
Total hours required 24

Learning Outcomes

  • Domestic students will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of the legal rules and policies in the student's area of specialization.
  • Domestic students will be able to conduct advanced legal research and analysis in the student's area of specialization.
  • International students will be able to identify structures of the U.S. legal system and government institutions.
  • International students will be able to demonstrating understanding of how a common law system operates in a constitutional democracy.
  • International students will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of the legal rules and policies in the student's area of specialization.
  • International students will be able to identify and apply relevant legal authority.
  • International students will be able to communication clearly in speech and writing.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Laws program begins with an orientation that introduces graduate students to DePaul's faculty, staff, library, computer and research facilities. Students who received legal training outside the United States also will participate in a special course introducing them to the Socratic teaching method, the differences between civil and common law systems, and the foundations of the U.S. legal system. 

To earn the LLM in Intellectual Property Law & Information Technology, a student must complete 24 semester hours of credit with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. A summer term is counted as a semester for this purpose. Students who complete 24 credit hours with a GPA below the 2.0 GPA required to earn the degree will not be permitted to continue taking classes to improve their GPA. A student is automatically dismissed if he or she has a cumulative GPA below 2.0 for any three consecutive semesters. 

The LLM program may be completed on either a full- or part-time basis but it must be completed within five years. With the exception of students admitted to and enrolled in the joint JD/LLM program, credits earned as part of the JD program do not count toward the LLM degree. In addition, no credit is given for law courses taken before a student is admitted to and enrolled in the LLM program.

Course Requirements

Courses must be selected from the LLM in Intellectual Property & Information Technology Law courses listed below. 

Required Courses

Course Title Semester Hours
LAW 250SENIOR RESEARCH SEMINAR (approved topic)3
Select at least one of the following:3
PATENT LAW
COPYRIGHT LAW
TRADEMARK & UNFAIR COMPETITION LAW
Select at least one of the following:2-3
INTERNET LAW
DATA PRIVACY LAW: US & EU
CYBERSECURITY LAW: LITIGATION AND NEGOTIATION

Additional Required Courses for International Lawyers

Course Title Semester Hours
LAW 322INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN LAW AND LEGAL SYSTEMS3
LAW 556INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL WRITING AND RESEARCH3

Elective Courses

Course Title Semester Hours
PATENT & TRADEMARK SEARCHING
SENIOR RESEARCH SEMINAR (Advanced Intellectual Property; Advanced Patents; Cultural Heritage; or other approved topic)
TRADEMARK & UNFAIR COMPETITION LAW
SPECIAL TOPICS IN LAW (IP Valuation in Tech, Health, and Other Industries; other approved topic)
MUSIC LAW
MUSIC TRANSACTIONS: REPRESENTING TALENT
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY FOR CORPORATE TRANSACTIONAL LAWYERS
INTERNET LAW
COPYRIGHT LAW
ENTERTAINMENT LAW
ANTITRUST
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
INDEPENDENT STUDY (approved topic)
SPORTS LAW
PATENT LAW
INTERNATIONAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
LEGAL DRAFTING (Art Market Transactions; IP Licensing & Negotiations; Trademark & Copyright; Trademark & Patent; Patents; or other approved topic)
LITIGATION STRATEGY: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SURVEY
EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM (approved placement in IP/IT)
EXTERNSHIP SEMINAR (in conjunction with approved LAW 524 placement above)
ART AND THE LAW
FOOD AND DRUG LAW
DATA PRIVACY LAW: US & EU
CYBERSECURITY LAW: LITIGATION AND NEGOTIATION
Students may count one of the following courses offered through CDM:
INFORMATION SECURITY MANAGEMENT
DISASTER RECOVERY THEORY STRATEGIES
INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING
LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
IT AUDITING