As technology continues to transform virtually every industry, intellectual property law has never been more important. Whether it’s protecting new inventions, valuable brands, creative works, or emerging AI technologies, IP lawyers help clients safeguard some of their most valuable assets. For law students interested in working at the intersection of law, business, technology, and innovation, a strong foundation in intellectual property law can open the door to a wide range of career opportunities in one of the profession’s fastest-evolving practice areas.
The National Jurist’s preLaw magazine recently released its ranking of the best law schools for intellectual property law on its Intellectual Property Law Law Honor Roll, highlighting schools for the strength of their programs. Here’s the methodology that was used:
preLaw magazine grades law schools based on the breadth of their curricular offerings. Scores are weighted as follows: 30% for a concentration, 24% for a clinic, 12% for a center, 12% for an externship, 9% for a journal, 8% for a student group, 5% for a certificate and added value for additional offerings.
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Without further ado, according to preLaw magazine, these are the law schools that earned A+ grades for their IP law programs (listed in alphabetical order):
- American University
- Cardozo School of Law
- Case Western Reserve U.
- DePaul University
- Fordham Law School
- George Washington University
- Indiana U. Bloomington
- Mitchell Hamline School of Law
- Northeastern University
- Santa Clara Law
- SMU Dedman School of Law
- Suffolk University
- Texas A&M Law
- UC Berkeley
- UC Law SF
- University of Akron
- University of Illinois
- University of Illinois-Chicago
- University of Maryland
- University of Washington
- Vanderbilt Law School
Click here to read all about the programs highlighted in this Honor Roll.
Congratulations to all of the law schools that made the cut for this important ranking.
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Top law schools for intellectual property law [preLaw magazine / National Jurist]
Staci Zaretsky is the managing editor of Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.