IP Center

The School of Law at night.

The Center manages the Intellectual Property Law Program at The University of Akron School of Law. Nationally respected, The Center administers one of the most comprehensive intellectual property programs in the country, offering over 20 courses in the field. The Center also administers the law school’s Master of Laws in Intellectual Property program and the joint J.D./LL.M. program in intellectual property law.  The latter program enables students to earn both degrees in three years of full-time study, plus at least one summer session.  The Center also invites distinguished speakers to campus and hosts a highly successful annual symposium - the Richard C. Sughrue Symposium on Intellectual Property Law and Policy, as well as an annual IP Scholars Forum, and other events. 

Jeffrey M. Samuels is the Center's director and the David L. Brennan Professor of Law. He served as an assistant commissioner of patents and trademarks at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Under his leadership, the Center works closely with government, business and industry to advise and educate leaders on intellectual property and its impact on economic development.

A. Samuel Oddi is the Giles Sutherland Rich Professor of Intellectual Property. He is nationally recognized for his IP scholarship and expertise in the area of international intellectual property law. Professor Oddi has served as the senior legal officer at the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ryan Vacca joined the full-time faculty during the 2010-11 academic year as an Assistant Professor of Law. Professor Vacca has written several articles on a variety of intellectual property issues and has taught intellectual property courses and presented his research at a number of law schools in the United States.

Supporting the Center are approximately one dozen adjunct professors who offer such specialized courses as international patent law, patent prosecution, claim drafting, and biotech patents.  The Center is also assisted by the advice and guidance offered by the more than two dozen IP professionals who comprise the IP Advisory Council. The Council advances the IP curriculum, fosters relationships with businesses and law firms, and assists students with career planning.

Learn more about your future in Intellectual Property Law here.