Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Paralegal Studies

This certificate is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to work in the field of intellectual property law as a paralegal. The global legal community is experiencing an increasing demand for intellectual property law services, thereby resulting in an increasing demand for paralegals knowledgeable in the field of intellectual property law. A paralegal is a vital member of a legal team, usually combining an understanding of the law with useful practical knowledge of forms and procedures. The curriculum for a certificate in intellectual property paralegal studies provides specialized education in the law in general, while allowing the student to focus on the field of intellectual property.

The 24 credit hours required for the graduate certificate in intellectual property paralegal studies must include the following courses:

• LEGL 5000 Introduction to Legal Studies
• LEGL 5260 Methods of Legal Research and Writing I
• LEGL 5270 Methods of Legal Research and Writing II
• LEGL 5905 Intellectual Property Law for Paralegals
• LEGL 5300 Ethics for the Legal Professional
• LEGL 5925 Patent and Trademark Law for Paralegals
• LEGL 5800 Computerized Legal Research

One elective course (3 credit hours) from the following:

• LEGL 5945 Copyright and Trade Secret Law for Paralegals
• LEGL 5740 Ownership, Licensing, and Transfer of Intellectual Property
• LEGL 5965 Computerized Intellectual Property Research for Paralegals

Students seeking the intellectual property paralegal certificate should consult the Admissions, Enrollment, Academic Policies, and Graduate Certificates sections of this catalog for information regarding applications, admission, registration, and the academic policies of Webster University.

The certificate program in intellectual property paralegal studies is designed to provide the theoretical and practical education needed by those who work or desire to work as paralegals (legal assistants). It is important to note that, at present, there is no state or federal licensure of paralegals, and that successful completion of Webster’s certificate program should not be construed to imply state, federal, or board certification.

All certificate courses must be taken at Webster University. Students may pursue the certificate by itself or in conjunction with a compatible graduate program.

Special Note

A legal assistant or paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training, or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. Paralegals or Legal Assistants may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Webster University's St. Louis area paralegal programs have been approved by the American Bar Association. The Kansas City program is not approved by the American Bar Association.