Since its inception in the 1970s, the Franklin Pierce School of Law at the University of New Hampshire has dedicated itself to the pursuit of excellence in intellectual property (IP) law. Small but mighty, it’s perched in the top 10 of U.S. News and World Reports’ Best IP Programs since the rankings began nearly three decades ago.
This January, Franklin Piercebroughtstudents to learn Intellectual Property in the iconic Silicon Valley. From January 6-10, students learned about, “IP Strategies for Today’s Industry,” from Professor Micky Minhas, VP and Chief Patent Counsel at Microsoft and Franklin Pierce Alum.
Students learned about recent IP issues in corporate America caused by converging technologies – from Smart Phone Wars, to Big Pharma versus Generics, subject matter eligibility, and the current Automotive Wars. The course helped prepare students for potential upcoming battlegrounds such as the Cloud and AI.
Students encountered these issues, live and in person, through guest speakers who are IP leaders from companies such as Apple, Google, Facebook, Intel, TiVo, LG, USPTO, Unified Patents, Paypal, Ebay, LinkedIn, Samsung, ServiceNow and Amazon. In addition, students spent one day at the Microsoft office in San Francisco, where guest speakers included professionals from Dolby, Uber, Microsoft, and Via Patent Pool.
Finally, students enjoyednetworking opportunities outside the classroom to help them develop professional relationships in the Valley.
Franklin Pierce is Highly Ranked, Globally Recognized.
Franklin Piercesupports its #5 IP ranking through three pillars of academic infrastructure. First, it offers one of the most comprehensive lists of IP courses in the United States.Second,it boasts the largest full-time faculty in the field of IP –half its entire faculty have IP expertise. Finally, it maintains the largest IP library in the Western Hemisphere.
These factors enable Franklin Pierce students to explore a wide area of IP topics. Students receive individualized support from faculty members and are empowered to do their own research with substantial information at their fingertips.
This means Franklin Pierce graduates enter the legal employment marketplace confident and competent – wherever they choose to go.
Inclusive Community and Friendly Faculty
Franklin Pierce offers a holistic higher education experience filled with co-curriculars, community engagement, and cross-cultural inclusivity. This is what Mohak Rana, LLM student from India, had to say about the cultural experience:
“I have actively participated in various lectures and forums organized by student groups, faculty and centers at the school. These activities help me build my network while I continue learning. The school truly respects every culture, ethnicity, and race. We as a law school family come together to celebrate what matters to each individual. This fall, UNH celebrated Diwali…UNH made sure that I did not miss home during the festival.” – Mohak Rana, Franklin Pierce LLM student
An Integrated LLM Program and Beyond
Franklin Pierce LLM students enroll in courses with JD students as part of their curriculum. Courses include topics such as:
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
- Copyright Law
- IP Issues in Sports and Entertainment Law
- IP, Technology Transfer, Global Development
- Mining Patent Info in the Digital Age
- Online Brand Management
LLM students also have full access to the Academic Success Program, including an opportunity to take a preliminary Bar exam – the test all US attorneys must pass to practice – anda dedicated faculty member who supports preparation for the legal classroom and for the Bar exam.
In addition to traditional academics, students can also gain hands-on experience through legal clinics. In the copyright and trademark focused IP & Transaction Clinic, students help clients with business ventures, including IP strategy and execution, business transactions and licensing. In the International Technology Transfer Institute, students contribute to scientific breakthroughs around the world, collaborating with organizations such as the World Bank, the World Intellectual Property Organization, and the World Health Organization.
Many LLM students at Franklin Pierce hope to gain work experience in the United States after they complete their degree, and it’s possible for them to do so after they graduate. Faculty connect current students with alumni, who are happy to act as mentors. They help students learn more about working in the U.S. and offer tips for navigating the job search process. Additionally, the law school’s Immigration Advisor supports students who want to pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Additional Opportunities at Franklin Pierce
Beyond Franklin Pierce’s degree offerings, the school now maintains an LLM student editor position on IDEA, the school’s IP law review. The journal is recognized worldwide as a premier intellectual property publication, providing practical articles that address new, controversial, and potential developments in IP and related fields.
IDEA is published three times a year by Franklin Pierce students. For more than 50 years, IDEA has provided articles relating to patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition, general intellectual property, and law and technology issues from around the world.
This student editor position offers an opportunity to network with global experts on IP law and contribute to the field before graduation!
Fees
The LLM 24-credit LLM program takes one year to complete. Tuition is competitively priced with a total cost of$38,460 for the 2019-2020 academic year. Generous scholarships are available for high quality students.
Eligibility and Application Process
The Franklin Pierce School of Law at the University of New Hampshire is still accepting LLM applications for Fall 2020.Students who hold an LLB are eligible to apply through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), or apply online through the Franklin Pierce School of Law website. A limited number of seats are available. For scholarship consideration, students should apply by May 1.
Review the Application Checklist for more information about the application process and required documentation.
Learn More!
For more information, visit: https://law.unh.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions
Or contact us via e-mail at admissions@law.unh.edu or on WhatsApp at +1-603-513-5300.