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SMU Dedman School of Law has launched a new Intellectual Property (IP) Concentration for J.D. students who are interested in focusing on academic and practical training in this evolving field.

To qualify for the concentration, students must complete at least 21 credits across four categories:

• Basic Required Courses: Two of the following: Intellectual Property, Copyright, Patent Law, Trademarks
• Elective Courses: e.g., IP Licensing, Entertainment Law, Trade Secrets, Patent Litigation
• Writing Requirement: options include IP-focused edited writing papers, journal comments, and moot court competitions 
• Experiential Learning Requirement: options include externships with the USPTO or tech transfer offices and trademark and patent clinics

Faculty Leadership and Benefits

David Taylor, Co-Director of the Tsai Institute for Technology, Science, Innovation, and Law and Professor of Law, serves as one of the concentration advisers, alongside Professors Sari Mazzurco and Shani Shisha.

According to Professor Taylor, the new concentration offers significant benefits for students, employers, and Dedman Law.

“Concentrations give direction to students who have an interest in an area of law,” he said. “It allows them to explore their interests while ensuring they gain relevant expertise and experience.”

He also emphasized the professional advantages of specialized legal training.

“Law firms are looking for lawyers who can hit the ground running in their area of specialization, and this will help our graduates do just that.”

Professor Taylor further highlighted the concentration's value to the Law School.

“By offering this particular concentration, the Law School can attract students looking for deep training in intellectual property law and ensure our graduates have a competitive advantage as they look to start their careers.”

Dedman Law is already well-known for its expert IP faculty, both permanent and adjunct, and its diverse IP course offerings. The new concentration will further distinguish the school and strengthen its commitment to intellectual property education.

Declaring the Concentration

Students are encouraged to declare their intent to pursue the IP Concentration during the first semester of their second year by contacting one of the concentration advisers.

The Tsai Institute for Technology, Science, Innovation, and Law will serve as the administrative hub for the concentration, overseeing student intake, course review, and certification.

Although the concentration will not appear on students' diplomas, those who successfully complete the requirements will receive a certificate and may include the designation on their resumes.