Elevate your career in intellectual property.

In a global landscape heavily reliant on the exchange of digital assets and undergoing continual change, the field of intellectual property (IP) law is becoming increasingly complex. Boston University School of Law is committed to enhancing your expertise in IP law and preparing you for the future of this ever-evolving legal practice through our progressive, responsive, and innovative curriculum. Discover the opportunities offered through BU Law’s LLM in Intellectual Property Law– your first step toward elevating your skills and knowledge in this critical field.

Uniquely designed… to prepare you for success.

Our program is thoughtfully designed for legal professionals aspiring to specialize and enhance their expertise in IP law, with a focus on copyright law, patent law, and trademark and unfair competition law.

Through personalized guidance, you will work directly with the program director to create a specialized study plan tailored to your unique interests. Professional development resources and counseling will be readily available, empowering you to navigate the complexities of IP law with confidence.

Upon completing your time at BU Law, you’ll emerge well-prepared to tackle any challenge within the dynamic IP landscape, propelling you closer to your professional aspirations.

A dynamic curriculum. An evolving field. An empowered you.

Become an empowered IP practitioner, ready to take on
the ever-evolving IP landscape.

Unlock world-class education in Intellectual Property Law.

A robust legal education enriched by distinguished professors with real-world perspectives.
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A comprehensive curriculum in IP studies.

A dynamic and expansive curriculum that builds skills, deepens knowledge, and equips practitioners.
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Boston: A hub of IP excellence

A thriving city of innovation and discovery, leading the way in shaping the landscape of IP law.
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Unlock world-class education in Intellectual Property Law.

A robust legal education enriched by distinguished professors with real-world perspectives.
Learn More

Learn from some of the nation’s leading IP practitioners who contribute their Boston-based insights to our program.

Our faculty, renowned globally for their scholarship and the influential texts they’ve authored, deliver an unparalleled classroom experience. Recognized by The Princeton Review for providing the “best classroom experience,” BU Law stands out for its commitment to excellence and student learning.

Our instructors are hailed as some of the best by current students and alums alike, and they prioritize accessibility and tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of their students. They actively engage with students, inviting you to connect during office hours, share a meal, and maintain contact even after graduation. 

You will graduate well-prepared for the dynamic IP field with connections to the BU legal community and global legal professionals. If you’re seeking the highest standard of legal education and to expand your network, BU Law’s LLM in Intellectual Property Law is for you.

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#8

in Intellectual Property Law

– U.S. News & World Report

A comprehensive curriculum in IP studies.

A dynamic and expansive curriculum that builds skills, deepens knowledge, and equips practitioners.
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Our expansive IP law curriculum offers a range of courses and seminars examining the economic, ethical, and social issues arising from the creation and ownership of intangible assets.

The LLM in Intellectual Property is a one-year, full-time program comprised of 24 credits. While there are required core courses, the program also offers a host of electives. 

  • Engage with a robust curriculum by selecting at least three out of four core courses: Intellectual Property, Copyright, Patents, Trademark and Unfair Competition.
  • Explore diverse elective options, including but not limited to Biomedical Innovation, International Intellectual Property, Intellectual Property and the Internet, Trade Secrets, and Patent Litigation, offering you a well-rounded and specialized education.
  • There is also an optional opportunity to participate in an immersive IP Workshop seminar where you’ll analyze and provide feedback on scholars’ works-in-progress.

Both domestic and foreign-trained attorneys will gain a deeper understanding of the US legal system and core doctrines related to the IP context, as well as enhance skills in using legal authority and performing legal analysis. Additionally, our international IP students will gain proficiency in IP legal English in both written and oral communications.

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#10

for “Best Classroom Experience”

– Princeton Review

Boston: A hub of IP excellence

A thriving city of innovation and discovery, leading the way in shaping the landscape of IP law.
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Immerse yourself in IP studies in a city that is the heart of innovation.

Boston is a global hub for IP education, where the world comes together to learn and grow. Our city serves as an epicenter of innovation and discovery, nurturing cutting-edge companies across high-tech, biotech, life sciences, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. 

Renowned names like Facebook, Google, Amazon, Draper Labs, Akamai, Boston Dynamics, Wayfair, Trip Advisor, HubSpot, BioTech, Moderna, Pfizer, and numerous startups call Boston home.

As a student, you’ll unlock access to a wealth of resources both on and off the BU Law campus. Engage with renowned guest speakers, panels, employment fairs, Bar Associations, and various learning and networking events. 


If you aim to be at the forefront of developments in IP, BU Law is the place for you.

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#1

QS Best Student Cities 2023 ranked Boston first in the United States

IP By the Numbers

#10

for “Best Classroom Experience”
– Princeton Review

#8

in Intellectual Property Law – U.S. News & World Report.

#1

QS Best Student Cities 2023 ranked Boston first in the United States.

A community dedicated to empowering students.

At BU Law, our LLM programs are a testament to our dedication to student success. We believe that fostering an environment of academic excellence goes hand-in-hand with providing robust support systems. 

From personalized study plans to one-on-one mentoring, our BU legal community has all the resources to prioritize individual success and empower our students throughout their academic and professional journeys. 

Whether embarking on careers in law firms, multinational corporations, or public service, students will emerge from BU Law’s LLM programs feeling confident and well-prepared to realize their aspirations and leave a lasting impact on the legal landscape.

The BU Law global alumni network.

Joining BU Law means becoming part of a dynamic and expansive alumni network. Our graduates extend across the globe, bringing their expertise to diverse legal fields and industries. This extensive network offers you not only valuable connections, but also a collaborative community committed to supporting each other’s professional growth.

As a BU Law alum, you gain access to a countless number of resources, mentorship opportunities, and a shared commitment to advancing the field of law on a global scale. 

Your journey doesn’t end with graduation; it extends into a lifelong connection with a network of accomplished legal professionals, positioning you for success in your career endeavors.

Modern facilities for law students.

Visitors to BU Law enter the law complex by way of the glass-enclosed Robert T. Butler Atrium, the heart and social hub of the building, designed to inspire a sense of pride in our students. The law tower, a leading example of Brutalist architecture, was built in 1964 and completely renovated in 2015, adding almost 100,000 square feet of student-centric space.

The Redstone building offers two libraries, moot court rooms, and bright and sun-filled classrooms featuring state-of-the-art technology. 

Spaces specifically designed to build community can be found throughout the building, as well as areas dedicated to peaceful study. The second-floor dining and seating facility in McCausland Commons features floor-to-ceiling views of the Charles River.

Welcome to BU Law.

If a long history, nationally recognized faculty, and top-tier law school sound good to you, then welcome to BU Law. Since 1872, we’ve been educating lawyers for the world ahead. Our faculty is recognized nationally for exceptional teaching and preeminent scholarship. We’re located in the LEED Gold-certified Sumner M. Redstone Building, right in the heart of Boston. Not only is Boston the state capital, it’s also an economic and cultural hub providing the school with experienced faculty, our students with enrichment and entertainment, and our graduates with a whole host of employment opportunities.

Come visit us, you won’t want to leave!

#17

in U.S. News & World’s 2023 ranking of U.S. law schools

1 of
20

U.S. law schools ranked among the top 100 in the world by 2018 QS World University Rankings.

What can the BU LLM in Intellectual Property do for you?