Program Overview

Program Overview

The Patent Law program is a professional certificate designed for legal professionals with litigation or equivalent experience who are interested in learning drafting, researching, procuring, and defending against infringement of patents, as well as expanding their practice to patent law.

Program Benefits

• Expand your network by connecting with other professionals working in scientific research, biotech, pharmaceutical, and legal communities.
• Online courses allow students to work full-time while completing a Professional Certificate in Patent Law.
• MCLE Credit for Legal Professionals

Admission Information

To apply, complete the online application and pay the $125 Certificate fee.

Program Structure

The certificate can be completed in one year, with a recommended pace of pursuit of 1 to 2 years, by enrolling in 1 to 2 courses per quarter. The total cost varies based on the Required Textbook price, with an estimated total of $3,700.

Required Prerequisites

• Intellectual Property Law (BUSA-40263): Explore the basic concepts of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

Required Courses

All 3 courses are required:

1. Principles of Patents (BUSA-40537): Thoroughly explores aspects of the U.S. Patent System, emphasizing how rights are acquired and the scope of those protections.
2. Patent Prosecution (BUSA-40540): Covers the patent process in detail, including application, prosecution responses, and continuing applications using a practical approach.
3. Patent and IP Searching (BUSA-40541): Teaches how to use the USPTO website, Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS), and other free internet resources to research patents, trademarks, and copyrights.

Elective Options

Minimum of 4 units required:

• Biotech Patent Law (BUSA-40716): Presents critical information to create and maintain the proprietary position required for commercialization and life cycle management in the life science industry.
• Foreign Patent Prosecution (BUSA-40624): Provides a thorough understanding of foreign patent protection and filing strategy with a focus on PCT practice.
• Patent Drafting (BUSA-40682): Covers the patent drafting process, including methodology and technique used in the drafting of patent applications.

Industry Certification

Legal Professionals can earn Mandatory Continuing Legal Education credits (MCLE) approved by the State Bar of California for select courses.

Advisory Board

The advisory board consists of professionals from various fields, including law, business, and academia, such as:

• Mark Abumeri, J.D., Partner at Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP
• Liz Bui, Esq., Chief Business Officer at Yulex LLC
• Brenden Daly, Senior Manager, Innovation & Commercialization at UC San Diego
• Bernard Greenspan, Ph.D., Intellectual Property Consultant at Greenspan IP Management
• Eric Hanscom, Esq., Founder & Managing Attorney at InterContinental IP Law Firm
• Dan Park, Esq., Chief Campus Counsel at UC San Diego
• Mithu Sherin, Ph.D., Independent Patent Consultant
• Jamie Townsend, Esq., Corporate Law Attorney

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