Students can gain competitive edge with new University of Akron program

AKRON, Ohio - Your creations of the mind can now earn you a degree at The University of Akron.

UA's School of Law has created a joint Juris Doctor (J.D.) and master of laws program (L.M.M.) in Intellectual Property (IP), or creations of the mind: Inventions, literary and artistic works, symbols, images and designs used in commerce.

Someone wanting to earn their degree in IP will learn about and become experts on patenting inventions, trademarks, industrial designs and copyrights.

Coursework includes classes on Unfair Competition Law, International IP Law, Entertainment Law and more.

This 100 credit hour requirement is only 12 more credits than UA's traditional 88 credit hour J.D. program.

"It's a no-brainer for students interested in IP to earn the J.D./LL.M., which can create a competitive edge in this challenging job market while also saving precious tuition dollars and valuable time," said Lauri Thorpe, the law school's assistant dean for admissions.

The new joint program was developed under the leadership of Jeffrey Samuels, professor and director of the UA School of Law Center for Intellectual Property Law and Technology.

"The new joint J.D./LL.M. program makes UA School of Law's IP program even more unique and desirable for potential students," said Samuels. "It will enhance our ability to attract students interested in IP and provide such students with the knowledge and skills they will need to be successful.”

The University of Akron's School of Law is one of only a few institutions in the United States to offer such a program.