USF's faculty and students have been involved in the IP field for decades. Professor J. Thomas McCarthy, for whom the institute is named, has served on the faculty for 35 years. An intellectual property law pioneer, McCarthy is recognized as a preeminent expert in the field.

The McCarthy Institute for Intellectual Property and Technology Law at the University of San Francisco serves as the center of its intellectual Property and Technology Program, which includes a distinguished faculty, internationally focused curriculum, innovative clinical offerings, as well as a vibrant student organization and nationally recognized student publication.

The McCarthy Institute is devoted to advancing knowledge about trademark law around the globe. We have partnered with the heads of industry, government, legal practice, and the academy to bring forward a cutting-edge, annual symposium on trademark laws. Microsoft has served as the primary partner and co-sponsor of each of our annual trademark symposia.

Students in the IP LLM program come from diverse backgrounds, including law and science, and many have years of experience in the science and technology fields. The program is open to those with first degrees in law or who have a similar degree or are qualified to practice law in a foreign country. Patent and trademark practitioners are especially encouraged to participate in the program.