What is Intellectual Property Law and how do I get into that field?
Intellectual Property (IP) Law focuses on the regulation of intangible rights regarding ideas, and tangible rights to use particular trademarks, patents and copyrights to produce goods and services. Included also are the rights to transfer these ideas, and compensation for transaction through licensing fees. No technical background is required to practice intellectual property law, with the exception of patent law. Patent lawyers must have completed a significant amount of technical coursework. Technical coursework includes coursework in the life and physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, and computer science. To become a patent attorney, one must complete a JD program, take the regular bar exam in the jurisdiction in which one plans to practice, as well as the Patent Bar Exam. It is not necessary to “specialize” in IP in law school in order to practice it. However, Akron does offer a wide range of coursework in IP law.
