Akron Law prepares non-lawyers to understand intellectual property

Writer, inventor, musician, software coder, graphic designer and chef. In the scheme of law, what do all these professionals have in common? Each create something of value and worthy of legal protection. This protection can be used to prevent competitors or others from using their creations without consent.

With a newly launched Certificate in Intellectual Property Law for Non-Juris Doctor Students, Akron Law enables individuals to discover the scope and limitations of protection afforded to creative works. 

By expanding access to its nationally recognized intellectual property program, students with and without scientific backgrounds can explore the myriad opportunities Akron Law provides to those interested in learning more about cutting-edge issues in fields such as trademarks, patents, copyrights, trade secrets, licensing, cyberlaw, sports and entertainment, entrepreneurship and international trade.

Benefits of enhanced knowledge 

“The purpose of the non-JD Certificate in IP is to provide basic instruction in the law of intellectual property to the wide range of lawyers and laypeople who could benefit from enhanced knowledge of the law of intellectual property,” says Dean Matthew Wilson. “This program should be of particular interest to those with engineering and scientific backgrounds.”

The certificate will be available to those who already hold a Juris Doctor degree and to non-lawyers with appropriate qualifications. Each student will take a total of 12 credits from the intellectual property curriculum. Admissions will be based on a holistic appraisal of a candidate’s ability to perform graduate level work, including successful pursuit of advanced degrees and current work experience.

Media contact: Lisa Craig, 330-972-7429 or lmc91@uakron.edu.