Field Placement
Academic Year

Faculty Supervisor

Professor Elaine Gagliardi

Supervising Attorney

Zach Scott

Prerequisite

Professional Responsibility

Pre-Requisite or Co-Requisite

Introduction to Intellectual Property

Recommended 

Advanced Intellectual Property

Areas of Emphasis

Intellectual Property (trademark issues, patent issues), Technology Transfer, Business Law, Employment Law, Contract Law, Agreement Drafting, Research and Writing, Problem-Solving, Advising and Counseling, Compliance with Federal Regulations, Policy Drafting, Policy Research, Administrative Agency Proceedings.

Sample Projects:

• Draft technology transfer license, commercial and other types of agreements
• Work with UM counsel on intellectual property issues such as ownership, IP litigation, subcontracting and collaboration, etc.
• Research on federal and state regulatory matters
• Evaluate likely and potential impact on UM of proposed activities
• Re-evaluate and draft UM Tech Transfer policies

General Information

Sponsored academic research at the University of Montana has nearly doubled in the last five years. With annual research expenditures now well over $100M, UM faculty, staff, and students are generating new inventions and businesses that contribute to the state and local economies. The UM Office of Technology Transfer (UMTTO) supports the commercialization of intellectual property developed at UM through management of its intellectual property portfolio and cultivation of partnerships with new or established private companies. The clinic student will have the opportunity to draft intellectual property agreements, licenses, material transfer agreements, and non-disclosure agreements; participate in securing, perfecting, and maintaining trademark, copyright and patent rights; advise the University, faculty and staff on UM’s intellectual property rights policies, advise the best course of IP protection, and draft new UMTTO policies.  The UMTTO clinic enjoys a close relationship with the UM Legal Counsel clinic; students will have the opportunity to participate in weekly roundtable discussions and work on UMLC projects.