Looking to the future of innovation

Washburn Law’s Intellectual Property program equips you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the dynamic field of intellectual property law. In an era where innovation drives economies and emerging technologies reshape industries, our program prepares you to protect and advocate for creators, inventors, and businesses. With a comprehensive curriculum, practical experience opportunities, and a supportive community, Washburn Law ensures you are ready to excel in this rapidly evolving legal landscape.

Why choose Washburn Law's intellectual property program?

Two students compare notes outside of classroom.

At Washburn Law, our Intellectual Property program stands out for its robust curriculum, experienced faculty, and extensive hands-on learning opportunities. Here are some unique advantages of our program:

  • Comprehensive curriculum: We offer a wide range of courses covering essential areas such as trademark, copyright, patent and trade secret law. Our curriculum is designed to provide both breadth and depth in intellectual property education.
  • Expert faculty: Learn from faculty members who bring a wealth of practical experience and academic expertise. Our professors are dedicated to mentoring students and providing insights into the latest developments in intellectual property law.
  • Real-world experience: Through externships and student organizations you’ll gain practical skills that are directly applicable to your future career.
  • Strong professional network: Benefit from connections with accomplished alumni, industry leaders and scholars who are actively involved in our program. These connections provide valuable networking opportunities and can help open doors to exciting career paths.
  • Supportive environment: We understand the unique challenges faced by  law students and offer resources and support to help you succeed. Our inclusive community is committed to your academic and professional growth.
Curriculum designed to help you master IP law

The intellectual property curriculum at Washburn Law covers all aspects of intellectual property practice. From trademark and copyright law to patent prosecution and international intellectual property enforcement, our courses provide a comprehensive understanding of this multifaceted field. After completing your first year of law school, you can tailor your education to focus on intellectual property law by pursuing a certificate or selecting specific courses that align with your interests.

Washburn Law offers a specialized certificate in intellectual property law. Earning a certificate demonstrates your commitment to a focused area of study and equips you with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to advance your career. Certificates can enhance your resume, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market and providing you with a deeper understanding of your chosen field. Requirements include completing specific courses and fulfilling a writing requirement.

Course of study

Required: Intellectual Property Law

Optional Core Intellectual Property Courses: Choose at least eight hours from the following: 

  • Advanced Intellectual Property Law
  • Copyright Law
  • Cyberlaw
  • International Intellectual Property Law
  • Patent Law
  • Patent Prosecution
  • Trademark Law

Optional Adjacent Courses: Earn up to six hours from the following: 

  • Administrative Law
  • Antitrust Law
  • Arbitration
  • Artificial Intelligence and Law
  • Business Associations
  • Commercial Law
  • Conflict of Laws
  • Evolution of a Business Transaction
  • Federal Courts
  • Higher Education Law
  • International Business Transactions
  • International Law of Indigenous Peoples
  • Law and Economics
  • Law Practice Technologies
  • Legislation
  • Public International Law
  • Remedies
  • Sports and the Law
  • Torts: Product Liability and Privacy

Skills Courses: Earn up to five hours from the following: 

  • Administrative Law
  • Advanced Legal Research
  • Appellate Practice
  • Externship 
  • Interviewing and Counseling
  • Legal Analysis, Research, and Writing for the Government Client
  • Moot Court Competition
  • Negotiation
  • Small Business and Nonprofit Transactional Clinic
  • Specialized Legal Research—Statutory and Regulatory Law
  • Transactional Drafting
  • Writing for Law Practice

Writing requirement

Students complete the upper level writing project on a pre-approved Intellectual Property law topic.

Our curriculum includes a diverse range of courses designed to shape your education and provide practical skills. These courses are taught by experienced professors who bring real-world expertise to the classroom, ensuring you receive a contemporary and relevant education. Detailed descriptions of each of these courses, can be found in the academic catalog.  

  • Advanced Intellectual Property Seminar
  • Art Law
  • Copyright Law
  • Global Intellectual Property Enforcement Law
  • Intellectual Property
  • International Intellectual Property Law
  • Patent Law
  • Patent Prosecution

Center for Intellectual Property & Technology

The Center for Intellectual Property & Technology at Washburn Law advances scholarship and practice in IP law through symposia, workshops, and lectures with leading experts. These events offer you the opportunity to explore current issues, connect with professionals and deepen your educational experience in a vibrant community.

Expand your knowledge with extracurricular opportunities

Student organizations

The Washburn Intellectual Property Law Society (WIPLS) offers a forum for students interested in IP law. Joining WIPLS helps you connect with peers, develop leadership skills, and deepen your knowledge of IP issues through events, networking, and educational activities.

Externships

Gain practical experience through externships with a variety of organizations. These externships provide invaluable hands-on learning and help you build a professional network in the field. Past externships have included placements at:

  • Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
  • Collective Brands, Inc. (Payless and related entities)

Speakers & symposia

Symposia, conferences and visiting practitioners and scholars provide our students a well-rounded, diverse exploration into copyright, trademark, patent and art law, as well as patent prosecution and global intellectual property enforcement law.