At a Glance
Type of work | Transactional + advisory (litigation is a separate sub-practice)
Who you advise | Technology companies, life sciences firms, media companies, startups
Pace | Varies — often embedded in M&A deal timelines; licensing is ongoing
Law school relevance | IP Survey, Patent Law, Copyright, Contracts
What Is It?
IP law protects the legal rights associated with innovation, creativity, and technology. On the transactional side, IP lawyers help companies license their intellectual property, transfer IP as part of M&A deals, structure technology agreements, and build legal frameworks around their most valuable assets — patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
What Will You Actually Do?
- Draft and negotiate technology licensing and development agreements
- Advise on IP ownership issues in M&A transactions
- Conduct IP due diligence — assessing the strength and risks of a company’s IP portfolio
- Structure data sharing, software licensing, and SaaS agreements
- Advise on trade secret protection programs
As a Junior Lawyer, Expect To…
- Review and summarize IP agreements during due diligence
- Draft and revise license agreements and technology contracts
- Research patent, trademark, and copyright issues
- Assist in structuring IP representations and warranties in M&A transactions
This Might Be a Good Fit If You…
- Are interested in technology, life sciences, or creative industries
- Have a technical background or strong interest in innovation
- Like working on both deal-focused and advisory matters
- Enjoy the blend of contract drafting with specialized subject matter
Key Terms to Know
- Patent: A government-granted right to exclusively make, use, or sell an invention for a period of time (typically 20 years).
- Trademark: A word, symbol, or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services.
- License Agreement: A contract granting one party the right to use another’s IP under specified conditions.
- Trade Secret: Confidential business information that provides a competitive advantage — protected not by registration but by keeping it secret.
- IP Assignment: The transfer of ownership of IP rights from one party to another — common in M&A and employment agreements.