OsgoodePD’s Professional LLM in Intellectual Property Law program is a graduate program designed specifically for working professionals. Each of our distinct specializations focuses on interdisciplinary learning and provides you with a unique mix of academic, applied, and theoretical perspectives. You will learn through interactive discussions and explore practical issues related to your specialization. You’ll have access to a wide range of elective options to broaden your legal knowledge or explore new areas related to your professional interests.
The Intellectual Property Law specialization offers an in-depth examination into the social, economic, and technological considerations presented by emerging legal issues in this rapidly changing field. Required and core courses address theoretical frameworks, as well as copyright, patent, and trade-mark law. You will explore the policies and principles that underlie intellectual property laws and strengthen your analytical and problem-solving skills.
Who is the Specialization for?
Lawyers or law graduates with legal work experience who have a strong demonstrated interest in intellectual property law and wish to establish or expand a practice in this area of specialization
Senior professionals who are exposed or contribute to the protection, management and utilization of intellectual property assets. They may navigate the landscape of patents, trademarks and copyrights
Alumni Spotlights

Ashkan Alavi
Ashkan is senior manager of patent technology for TDBank Group. Ashkan shares how his interest and science and technology eventually led him to Osgoode’s Professional LLM in Intellectual Property Law to round out his knowledge of IP Law and to complement his practical experience with patents and trademarks.

Veronica Syrtash
Veronica is the SVP of Business Affairs and Corporate Development at Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency Ltd. (CMRRA). She shares how she was able to combine her legal training with her passion for music and how the Professional LLM in Intellectual Property Law was able to fill the gaps in her theoretical knowledge on the subject.
Student Services
All Professional LLM students can benefit from our wide range of student services:
Academic Services
Program Orientation
Introductory Courses
Workshops & Resources
Confidential Academic and Wellness Counselling
Career Support
Job Postings
Resources/Guides
Workshops & Events
Counselling
Campus Life
Student Social Activities
Osgoode & York U Extra Curriculars
Professional Networking Events
All of our academic and career development services are available remotely, and counselling hours have varied schedules to suit the needs of part-time students.
Information Session
Interested in our part-time Professional LLM in Intellectual Property (IP) Law? In this on demand session, you will learn more about course offerings, degree requirements, what to expect during your studies and the steps to apply.
Degree Requirements
The Professional LLM in Intellectual Property Law requires the completion of 36 credits including a research requirement. The program is designed to be completed in two years (six active terms) through a combination of required/core courses, electives and up to 6 credits of outside electives.
Required Courses:
Core Courses:
Students must take at least two of the three core courses.
Elective Courses:
Required courses generally run once every two years.
Research Requirement
The research requirement can be fulfilled through one of the following three options. Most students elect to fulfill the requirement through option 3:
- A Major Research Paper (70 pages, 6 Credits)
- An Independent Significant Research Paper (30 pages, 3 Credits)
- A Significant Research Paper (30 pages) completed as the means of assessment for one of the courses within the specialization.
What to Expect
After accepting your offer of admission, you’ll receive information about course schedules. Many of the courses in the Intellectual Property Law specialization are scheduled as intensive courses (typically Thursday evening, all-day Friday, and all-day Saturday). However, you will encounter weekly evening courses as well (typically in 7-10PM sessions).
In your first term, you may be assigned a required introductory course as a condition of admission. These courses count toward your degree. Students without a JD/LLB are required to complete Introduction to Graduate Legal Studies (note: we encourage students to take this course before beginning their LLM program).
Application Dates
The Intellectual Property Law specialization is a cohort program that accepts new students once every other calendar year, in the Fall term.
Fall 2026
Applications Not Currently Open
Applications will open on October 01, 2025
Faculty
Program director
Carys J. Craig
Martin Kratz, K.C.
Instructors include
Andrew Finkelstein
Donald M. Cameron
Bita Amani
Tuition and Fees
Part-time students pay in six installments over six terms.
Students who complete the program in fewer than six terms will have their final installment(s) added at the end of their program. Students who require more terms will be subject to additional tuition fees.
Please note that the tuition/fees displayed here are subject to change, and may vary depending on your entry term.
Domestic (Ontario)
$3,800.79per term for 6 terms
$22,804.74total
Domestic (Out of Province)
$3,990.83per term for 6 terms
$23,944.98total
International
$8,828.66per term for 6 terms
$52,971.96total
Students are also subject to supplementary fees including health benefits. Find out more about supplementary fees here.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Professional LLM specializations is competitive. At OsgoodePD, we can help you navigate the process. The Admissions Committee reviews each applicant’s completed file and takes into consideration criteria such as academic background, professional work experience, and whether the program fits your stated goals. The information below represents the minimum requirements for admission consideration to our graduate degree programs – meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission.
JD/LLB degree or undergraduate degree (a graduate degree is an asset to non-legal professionals)
Overall B (75%) average (or equivalent)
Professional work experience (JD/LLB graduates require at least 2 years, while non-legal professionals require at least 5 years of related senior-level experience)
Acceptable English language proficiency (see requirements)
How to Apply
Create Your OsgoodePD Applicant Profile
Create an applicant profile in our online application portal. This portal allows us to gather your information, transcripts, and other documents electronically. You will receive an email with directions outlining how to create a new password for your application, along with a link to access the application.
Upload Application Documents
The following documents are required:
- Resume/CV
- Writing Sample
- Contact Information for Two References
- Transcripts
- Official Proof of Language Proficiency (if applicable)
For more information, see our Application Documents to Upload section.
Pay and Submit
Once your application is completed, you will be required to pay a non-refundable $140 CAD application fee.
Wait for Review
Timelines for decisions vary by program, but we will be in touch if we have questions about your application or need more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
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