JSonnabend

[jclaw05]

I am a 3L considering an LLM in IP.  My background is not scientific or technical, it is in international trade.  Will getting an LLM in IP be useless because of my non-technical background?  Are careers in IP law traditionally centered around patents (and their inherent techincalities)?  I have taken two IP courses thus far and love it.  Will an LLM in IP, considering my background, be a wise investment?

[Isaac]

I suspect although I cannot prove that only a minority of
IP attorneys practice patent prosecution.  Even in the patent
realm, litigators are not required to have technical degrees
and many very good ones do not.

I'm also not convinced that LLMs in general (other than
those in taxation) are cost effective, but I don't have
first hand knowledge.   I know of one fairly prominent
patent attorney who actively discourages patent practitioners
from getting LLM degrees (at least his web site indicates
that he would consider the degree negatively when making a
hiring decision).

[jking]

As a recent recipient of an LL.M. in IP, I have nothing but praise for (1) the program (from The George Washington University) and (2) the additional opportunities the LL.M provides.  In a year where many law school grads find it difficult to find a job, regardless of area of law, I was blessed with the opportunity to work as an associate in the IP field.  There is not a doubt in my mind that this opportunity would never have presented itself had I not attained the LL.M.

Was the LL.M. expensive...sure.  However, if you really want to practice in the field, and it sounds as if your do, I don't think the LL.M. hurts...especially for those of us without the technical background.  Best of luck with your decision.

[CA Associate]

JKing, what program did you choose for your LLM?  Do you, or anyone else, know whether it is better to get an LLM in Europe or the US?  I have a JD from a US university and am considering going overseas for the LLM.  thanks!

[Anon]

I'll leave to others to discuss whether the LLM is worthwhile and cost effective.  But if you are set on doing an LLM overseas, have a look at the following:


Munich Intellectual Property Law Center
http://www.miplc.de/

Queen Mary Intellectual Property Research Institute
http://www.qmipri.org/
http://www.ccls.edu/courses/llm.html

[C.miller]

I am a 3L considering an LLM in IP.  My background is not scientific or technical, it is in international trade.  Will getting an LLM in IP be useless because of my non-technical background?  Are careers in IP law traditionally centered around patents (and their inherent techincalities)?  I have taken two IP courses thus far and love it.  Will an LLM in IP, considering my background, be a wise investment?

I know of University of Edinburgh Alumni who studied on the LL.M Innovation, Technology and the Law who have gone on to work business consultancies and had the edge when it comes to securing large contracts because of the LL.M. - and he wasn't even a legal professional to start with or a techy or a scientist! I know of someone who is working as an entertainment lawyer who benefits greatly from having the LL.M on his C.V. and in his brain!

Subjects covered on an LL.M programme centred on IP might include:
Copyright;  Designs;  Database right; Breach of confidence/personality rights and performers' rights; Competition law;  International aspects (institutions, treaties, structures); Patents; Trade marks; Passing off; Breach of confidence as trade secret protection; and Free movement of goods. Add an international element and you might find subjects such as : International IP institutions; Issues surrounding International Regulation; Technology transfer; IP in Developing countries; Dispute resolution;

There's loadsa stuff you could benefit from in an LL.M that isn't necessarily around Patents! Have a look at http://www.law.ed.ac.uk/distancelearning for more information on  the programme that contains the above subjects for study!

Hope this helps.