Students enter this program in the summer before the first year of law school, undertaking part of the first-year law curriculum. Throughout their remaining six semesters in residence, students will combine their legal studies with courses selected from the School of Engineering. Graduates of this program have distinctive qualifications for patent law, product liability, and research and development. The Intellectual Property Law Society brings together law students and scientists who are doing cutting-edge work in this booming field. The group sponsors speakers and panel discussions on patent, trademark, copyright, telecommunications, and other closely related fields.
Membership is open to all interested students.
From large intellectual property firms in Silicon Valley to small legal departments of sophisticated high-tech corporations in North Carolina's nearby Research Triangle Park, Duke students enjoy an unparalleled opportunity to secure a particularly wide variety of IP positions across the country. With more than 400 employers interviewing approximately 200 students each fall during our on-campus interview program, your chance of securing a rewarding position in the intellectual property field is optimal. Whether you have a Ph.D. in biology or simply a longstanding interest in this fast-paced practice area, with the help of the Office of Career Services and a host of IP faculty and alumni, at Duke you are on the right track to a dynamic career as an intellectual property attorney.