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Master of Intellectual Property Management and Markets

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Overview

“With the increasing importance of knowledge as a driving force of innovation and economic growth worldwide, IP rights are becoming central to the modern economy.”

—World Intellectual Property Organization

Intellectual assets are important. The Master in Intellectual Property Management and Markets at Illinois Institute of Technology provides a foundational understanding of intellectual property and is the first in the country to integrate the perspectives and skills from five distinct academic disciplines. It is a truly unique collaboration that incorporates the lessons of leading practitioners with those of experienced faculty members from the schools of business, computer science, design, engineering, and law.

Students acquire the skills and experiences to become an IP professional, or—if they are already an IP professional—greatly enhance their ability to perform their current role. They also gain access to a network of IP professionals that are an invaluable resource for locating employers and clients.

Upon earning this degree, students are equipped to take strategic and leadership roles in leveraging and managing intellectual property whether through marketing, research and development, portfolio management, legal protection or business transactions.

Who should consider this program?

Those who aspire to be chief IP officers, including tech transfer managers, marketing managers, licensing professionals, media and entertainment executives, patent agents, IP and general lawyers, inventors, product developers, engineers, legal analysts and assistants, R&D managers, IP contract managers, financial and accounting managers, investment bankers, and venture capital analysts greatly benefit from the program.

The program is also a perfect springboard for new college graduates who want a career as an IP professional.

Additional Information

Click on the tabs below for information in each category.

Course work in the IPMM Program tracks the life cycle of intellectual property from its inception to full exploitation. Courses include doctrinal as well as skills instruction and practice with real-world problems and real-world solutions. The coursework is designed to build confidence in working with researchers and others who create the IP we focus on.

Coursework is taught by both experienced practitioners as well as instructors from all five academic disciplines which incorporate the IPMM program—and allow students to take addition additional electives from whichever ones interest them most. During the program you'll collaborate with other students as a cohort, drawing upon each other's experiences and ideas. Courses, with linked descriptions, include:

  • Context/Introduction and Protecting IP (initial “bootcamp” course)
  • Acquiring IP
  • Global IP Management
  • IAM Methodologies and IP Assessment
  • IP and Business Strategy
  • Managing the Creative Process
  • Maximizing IP Value
  • Patent Analytics and Landscape Reports
  • Capstone Class (final course)

The IPMM program is primarily a residential program and can be completed at our Chicago campus with about 10 months of full-time study (30 credit hours) starting in August of each year through the following May. 

However, students also have an option to attend the IPMM Program on a part-time or remote basis. All part-time and remote students will need to complete the two-week intensive courses that take place at the start and end of the program in residence in Chicago. The remainder of the courses may be taken online, with remote students attending courses virtually. Online students can still join and network with on-campus students for project work by forming virtual teams.

We also specifically offer our Patent Analytics & Landscape Reports course online. This 10-week course is typically offered in the summer term with classes beginning in May.

For an overview of the IPMM Academic Calendar, please visit our calendar page.

Don’t have time for a full degree? How about a one-year certificate?

Our Intellectual Asset Management Certificate is a three-course, completely online option for working professionals or others who might already be engaged in intellectual asset management and wish to enhance their skills. Students complete a course in Patent Analytics, along with a course in Acquiring IP and a course in Maximizing IP. The certificate program may be entered in any semester. Those who complete the IAM certificate and then decide to complete the entire master's program may enter the master's IPMM course of study with advanced standing. 

Questions?

If you have additional questions about the IPMM program, please contact Professor Mickie Piatt.