Intellectual Property Law and Policy Graduate Program
ADMISSIONS
Applicants must hold a J.D. or an equivalent degree from a law school that is a member of the Association of American Law Schools and one approved by the American Bar Association. International students must have a first degree in law or credentials to demonstrate equivalent qualification through work experience and their professions. Foreign students must demonstrate English language proficiency as demonstrated by: a TOEFL score of at least 580 (paper-based), 237 (computerized), 70 (internet-based; only includes the total listening, writing and reading section of the test); an IELTS score of at least 7.0; or a MLT score of at least 90.
The central criterion for admission will be the applicant's potential for successful completion of, and contribution to, the program. Important factors to be considered are the candidate's overall academic record, particularly in law school; and the candidate's professional experience; and the candidate's demonstrated interest in intellectual property or technology law. Each candidate's qualifications will be compared to that of other applicants with the objective of filling each class with the best students in the applicant pool.
Applicants are required to apply online to the Graduate School. See the online application at https://www.grad.washington.edu/application/.
International applicants: Please note that applicants who are NOT U.S. citizens may be required to prove English language competency. More information on this can be found at the Graduate School Memorandum #8 English Language Competency for Admission to the Graduate School.
As an affiliate of the Graduate School, application materials must be sent to both the Graduate School and the Graduate Program in Intellectual Property Law and Policy.
1. Applicants are required to submit the following to the IP Law and Policy LL.M. Program Admissions, University of Washington, School of Law, William H. Gates Hall, Box 353020, Seattle, WA 98195-3020, IPLaw@u.washington.edu:
- Copy of Graduate School application
- Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate schools (international students) and J.D. degree (domestic students)
- One or more letter(s) of recommendation specifically commenting on the applicant's ability to do graduate work in intellectual property or technology law
- A statement of purpose indicating why you wish to pursue graduate study in intellectual property or technology business law
- Resume
- Copy of official TOEFL score
Domestic Applicants
- Copy of Graduate School application, signed and dated (original signature)
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts do not need to be sent unless you have earned a bachelor’s or higher degree from an institution outside of the U.S. Please note that once an applicant has been offered admission and accepted that offer, they will be required to provide official transcripts from the institutions that awarded them their undergraduate and graduate degrees.
International Applicants
- Copy of Graduate School application, signed and dated (original signature)
- International transcripts with degree statement, including date of graduation and title of academic degree awarded. All coursework with grades issued for each year completed must be submitted for proper evaluation. Transcripts must be in the native language and accompanied by a certified English translation. International transcripts are considered official if they have been certified or attested, signed in ink by the proper school authority and carry the seal of the school. International transcripts should be sent in a sealed envelope if possible.
- Request Educational Testing Service (P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151) to forward your TOEFL score report using our Institution Code #4854. Score reports over two years old (from the test date) are no longer valid.
- UW Statement of Financial Ability Form: once you have submitted your application you must log back into the online application at https://www.grad.washington.edu/application/ to access this form.
- International students currently residing in the U.S. must provide photocopies of all I-20 Certificate of Eligibility forms with the F-1 visa stamp or DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility Form) with the J-1 visa stamp or any current visa status forms issued to you.
- If you are requesting a DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility Form) for J-1 status, please provide the following information: city of birth, legal permanent resident of what country, present position in that country (i.e., student/faculty, as well as the name of the institution; if employed by a company, name of employer, etc.). If you are currently holding the J-1 visa, please let the Office of Graduate Admissions know if you are planning to return home before coming to this University. This information is important in order to issue an accurate visa application form.
ADMITTED STUDENTS
After you have been accepted, you will receive an email and a letter of acceptance from the Director of the Intellectual Property Law and Policy Program. We also will notify the UW Office of Graduate Admissions of our recommendation for your admission. Applicants whose admission file is complete will be sent a formal admission letter by U.S. mail from the UW Graduate Admissions. It is expected that all admitted students respond in a timely manner their intention to accept our offer of admission. We do not require an enrollment confirmation deposit.
In the beginning of the summer, we will send you information via email about the mandatory orientation program for all incoming LL.M. students. Orientation takes place the week before classes begin. The beginning of autumn quarter changes each year so please check the UW Law School’s website to confirm the actual start date: http://www.law.washington.edu/Students/Calendar.aspx. During orientation week, you will be able to meet with the Director and the Assistant Director of the Program to discuss your plans for the program including course selections. Registration for classes will be done that week by the Program Manager.
