Master of Legal Studies in Intellectual Property

The Master of Legal Studies in Intellectual Property program (MLG-INPR) offers concentrated study in intellectual property law for both professionals and graduate students in related disciplines who are interested in acquiring legal knowledge and skills to enhance their careers and develop new professional opportunities. Candidates will include: 1) non-lawyer professionals who would benefit from education and training in intellectual property in fields such as engineering, business development, public policy and entrepreneurship; 2) individuals who currently do not have or are not completing a law degree but who are in positions that would benefit from greater knowledge of IP law and policy such as government officials, industry executives, technology developers, and journalists; and 3) students in related disciplines who would benefit from advanced knowledge of INPR law and policy for academic research and career development. All Master of Legal Studies in Intellectual Property students must complete 30 credit hours. MLG-INPR students take a core set of courses designed to familiarize students with the fundamentals of legal institutions and legal reasoning and analysis, including Introduction to the United States Legal System, Contract Law and Strategies, Principles of Regulatory Law, Fundamentals of Business Law, and Dispute Resolution or ADR Doing Deals and Resolving Disputes Through Negotiation, Mediation and Arbitration. Unless waived by the School of Law, MLG-INPR students must also complete six credits of approved core Intellectual Property courses, six credits from approved elective Intellectual Property courses, one professional skills course, and one writing course related to the student's course of study. For the remainder of their required credit hours, MLG-INPR students may enroll in any School of Law courses approved for the MLG-INPR program.Students enrolled in the program pursue a non-thesis Master of Legal Studies in Intellectual Property degree, and may be enrolled on either a full-time or part-time basis. The majority of courses for the program are offered asynchronously or synchronously via distance technology. Students may also participate in IP courses that offer in-person instruction at the School of Law in Fort Worth.A deep understanding of the laws and policies behind intellectual property law is vital in today’s global economy. From technology to television and art to agriculture, intellectual property law facilitates innovation, creativity, and design. Whether you’re an entrepreneur yourself, helping other business owners with their intellectual property needs, or crafting IP or technology policies for your company, our MLS degree will prepare you to navigate the complexities of the technology law landscape.