Build specialized paralegal knowledge in intellectual property law. Study trademarks, copyrights, patents, trade secrets, infringement protection, international developments, and practical IP resources used in legal work.
Course Snapshot
| Format | Registration Fee | Access Begins | Time to Complete | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Paced Online | $1,995 | The 15th of every month | 6 months | Trademarks, copyrights, patents, trade secrets, infringement protection, patent reform, copyright pre-registration, and IP paralegal practice |
Course Overview
The Intellectual Property Law Paralegal Specialty Certificate introduces learners to the four main areas of intellectual property law: trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets.
You will study the duration of rights, protection from infringement, new and international developments, and current issues in intellectual property law. The program covers topics such as patent reform proposals, patent trolls, copyright pre-registration, and Section 337 ITC investigations.
Learners also work with sample agreements, checklists, case studies, and practical guides that support paralegal work in intellectual property matters.
This self-paced online program gives learners six months of access and can be completed from anywhere with an internet connection. Participants are also assigned a judge mentor or facilitator for guidance during the program.
Skills You'll Gain
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the four main fields of intellectual property law.
- Identify key issues related to trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets.
- Describe the duration of intellectual property rights.
- Recognize legal issues related to infringement protection.
- Understand new and international developments in intellectual property law.
- Review current issues such as patent reform, patent trolls, copyright pre-registration, and Section 337 ITC investigations.
- Use sample agreements, checklists, research tools, and ethical guidance to support paralegal work.
Tools and Details
Tools You'll Use
- Online lecture notes.
- Interactive exercises.
- Chapter reviews.
- Chapter analysis activities.
- Mock exams.
- Sample agreements.
- Checklists and practical guides.
- Case studies and practice-based examples.
- Judge mentor or facilitator support.
Topics You'll Cover
- Intellectual property law fundamentals.
- Trademarks.
- Copyrights.
- Patents.
- Trade secrets.
- Duration of rights.
- Protection from infringement.
- International IP developments.
- Patent reform proposals.
- Patent trolls.
- Copyright pre-registration.
- Section 337 ITC investigations.
- Research tools and ethical guidelines.
- Legal ethics or eDiscovery elective pathway.
What You'll Walk Away With
- An Intellectual Property Law Paralegal Specialty Certificate.
- Practical knowledge of trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets.
- A stronger understanding of infringement protection and IP rights.
- Familiarity with current and international IP developments.
- Practice with agreements, checklists, case studies, reviews, and mock exams.
- Support from a judge mentor or facilitator.
- Six months of access to complete the program.
Who Should Enroll
This program is designed for learners with prior paralegal education or experience.
Successful participants typically have at least one of the following:
- Completion of a Paralegal Certificate.
- A degree in Paralegal Studies.
- At least four years of substantive paralegal experience.
The USF Difference
Specialized Intellectual Property Training
Study trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets through a paralegal practice lens.
Current IP Law Coverage
Explore patent reform, patent trolls, copyright pre-registration, Section 337 ITC investigations, and new international developments.
Built for Working Professionals
Complete the program online at your own pace with six months of access and no campus visits required.
Judge Mentor Support
Participants receive guidance from a judge mentor or facilitator during the program.
Practical Course Materials
Use lecture notes, exercises, chapter reviews, mock exams, sample agreements, checklists, case studies, and practical guides to build working knowledge.
Elective Pathway Included
Each Paralegal Specialty Certificate Program includes two required courses and one elective. Participants choose between Legal Ethics or eDiscovery after registration.
Participant and Client Feedback

Employees at companies like these have trusted USF Corporate Training & Professional Education with their skills training and career advancement.
Learn more about training for your team, organization, or company


