ASU Law Talks

October 27, 2025

Contract management combines legal understanding with business strategy to ensure agreements deliver results. ASU Law’s online, ABA-accredited MLS program prepares professionals to draft, negotiate and manage contracts confidently across industries.

October 20, 2025

What is the difference between a Juris Doctor and a legal master's degree?

Learn the key differences between a Juris Doctor and legal master’s degree at ASU Law, including career goals, admissions, tuition and flexible options like the online JD and MLS emphases.

October 13, 2025

Can a legal master’s degree help you achieve professional certifications?

Earning a master’s degree in law at ASU Law can give you the skills and knowledge you need to obtain professional certifications to advance your career.

October 6, 2025

Can I apply to law school without an LSAT?

ASU Law now offers a test-optional JD admissions pathway under ABA accreditation to continue to reduce barriers for students and expand access to justice.

September 24, 2025

Can I earn a Juris Doctor part-time and online?

Relocating, leaving a career behind or managing long commutes can make law school feel out of reach. The good news is that yes, you can earn a JD part-time and online.

How does IP and copyright law affect the life of a law student (Taylor’s version)?

Just like Taylor Swift reclaiming her musical legacy, understanding intellectual property (IP) and copyright law can be a game-changer for your career. With Swift's latest album tease for The Life of a Showgirl breaking the internet (again), it's the perfect time to explore how copyright battles shake off misconceptions about both pop culture and professional opportunities.

What can Taylor Swift's copyright victories teach us about IP law? (Hint: Shake it off)

Taylor Swift's 2017 legal triumph against songwriters claiming she stole lyrics for Shake It Off offers a masterclass in copyright defense. The plaintiffs argued Swift lifted the phrases "players gonna play" and "haters gonna hate" from their previously released songs. However, Swift's legal team successfully demonstrated these were common, unprotectable phrases that existed in popular culture long before either song.

This case illustrates crucial copyright principles: originality requirements, the idea-expression dichotomy and fair use doctrine. Swift's victory hinged on proving these phrases were too generic and commonplace to warrant copyright protection – a fundamental concept that separates protectable creative expression from everyday language. We knew she was trouble when she walked in, but legally speaking, she had a clean slate.

How can I advance my career with skills in IP and copyright law?

At Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, professionals can develop expertise in intellectual property through our Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program with an emphasis on Intellectual Property Law, offered fully online or on campus. This specialized degree program equips students with comprehensive knowledge of copyright, trademark, patent and trade secret law – it's a love story between legal education and career advancement.

Our MLS IP emphasis covers everything from entertainment law disputes like Swift's case to cutting-edge technology patents and brand protection strategies in a rapidly advancing environment in which AI is testing the limits of IP infringement. Students learn to navigate complex licensing agreements, understand infringement claims and advise organizations on protecting their creative works.

Why does intellectual property law matter for today's professionals?

In our digital age, IP disputes are everywhere – from social media content to artificial intelligence innovations. Swift's legal battles demonstrate how copyright law intersects with business strategy, artist rights and cultural expression. Whether you work in entertainment, technology, marketing or business operations, IP and copyright knowledge is increasingly essential for non-lawyer legal professionals who are ready for it.

Are you ready for it?

ASU Law's MLS program with an emphasis on IP law prepares graduates to handle these evolving challenges while building expertise in one of law's most dynamic fields. Check out this video snippet from an online course in Copyright Law, and imagine how the life of a law student can be your own too (ASU Law’s version).

Frequently asked questions

What can I do with a legal master’s degree?

A Master of Legal Studies at ASU Law gives you legal knowledge you can apply in many fields in which intellectual property, copyright and trademark law are essential – from entertainment and media to tech and marketing. You won’t become a practicing lawyer, but you will gain a deep understanding of the law that helps you make better decisions and lead with confidence.

Is this program fully online?

Yes. You can choose to complete the program entirely online, on campus or through a mix of both. The flexible format is designed for working professionals.

Do I need to take the LSAT to apply?

No. The LSAT is not required. You can start your application in just 10 minutes through the FastApp process.

How long does the program take?

Most students complete the 30-credit program in one to two years, depending on whether they attend full time or part time.