LES Education
LES professional development and education courses are the most efficient, effective way to deepen your IP knowledge and deal-making skills. We offer courses for individuals with all levels of experience, working in all IP industry sectors. LES courses are taught by industry experts with the most current, relevant expertise in the areas they teach. If you take three or more courses you can earn your Emerging Leader certificate & badge. Learn more about group and bundle discounts.
In addition to what you will learn in a LES course, you will also make new connections–expand your network, not just your knowledge!
View our roster of LES Education Course instructors.
Co-Chairs:
Senior Vice President:
VIEW FULL EDUCATION COURSE CALENDAR
Beginner
Brand new to IP licensing, typically <1 year experience.
Intermediate
Some experience with IP licensing, typically 1-3 years, and interest in specific topics.
- Foundations in IP Valuation
- Mechanics of a License
- Strengthening Your License
- Due Diligence
- Legal Ethics
- Negotiation Skills
- Intro to Damages
Advanced
More experience required, typically >3 years.
- Negotiation Skills Practicum
- Managing IP Value in Startups & Early-Stage Ventures
- LES CLP Exam Review
Expert
For expert-level content regarding niche topics see our webinars.
Custom Courses
LES offers the flexibility to customize any of its courses below to meet the unique needs of companies or universities. Whether you’re looking to focus on specific industry challenges or tailor content for different levels of expertise, LES can design an educational experience to support your organization and team goals. We can come to your physical location or do an online event. We can create a 1/2 day or multiple-day event. Are you hosting an offsite or teambuilding event? Let LES complement your schedule with job competency training.
We are excited to work with you to explore customized course offerings. Contact us at education@les.org to discuss opportunities and create a tailored program for your team.
Course Descriptions
IP Licensing Basics
Level: Beginner – Brand new to IP licensing, typically <1 year experience.
Description:
There is more emphasis now than ever before on commercialization, company formation, and job creation from the billions of dollars invested annually in research and development at America’s universities, government laboratories, and small businesses. Whether you are an entrepreneur in the making, a principal investigator or student at any level who wants a better grasp of the basics, or an aspiring technology transfer, business development, or legal/patent professional, this course will give you the tools you need to understand and participate effectively in the process of protecting IP and facilitating its commercialization.
Modules:
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- IP Basics
- IP Commercialization Basics
- Licensing Fees & Royalty Rates
- Managing Risk
You will learn the following topics:
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- The foundations of intellectual property rights
- Leveraging protected IP assets to generate revenue through licensing
- Understanding the value in your IP and generate financial terms for licenses
- How to mitigate risk with careful planning in the licensing context
What previous attendees have said:
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- “High-quality content and knowledgeable speakers suitable for first-timers to experienced pros looking to learn best practices and sharpen their skills.”
Recommended LES courses to take after:
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- Mechanics of a License
- IP Negotiation Basics
Course Creators & Contributors:
Thank you to our course chair, past course chairs and content contributors who have developed and improved this course over time including:
Course Schedule
IP Negotiation Basics
Level: Beginner – Brand new to IP licensing, typically <1 year experience.
Description:
Have you thought about the knowledge and skills needed to negotiate well? Consider learning from experts in this immersive and interactive opportunity. The guiding philosophy of this seminar is that situational awareness and understanding of people and negotiating room dynamics wins every time over reliance on tactics like “good cop, bad cop.” Our goal is to help you identify the skills needed to build a foundation that will support your development of sound strategies and implementation of fact-driven actions.
Modules:
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- Preparing for the Negotiation
- Term Sheets
- Negotiation Principles & Strategies
- Closing the Deal
You will learn the following topics:
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- Knowing your position and considering the alternatives
- Making the most out of your negotiation tools
- Win-Win and problem-solving initiatives
- How to execute your deals
- ZOPAs, BATNAs, and Power Dynamics
Recommended LES courses to take in advance or equivalent experience:
-
- IP Licensing Basics
Recommended LES courses to take after:
-
- Mechanics of a License
- Strengthening Your License: The Sequel to Mechanics of a License
Course Creators & Contributors:
Thank you to our course chair, past course chairs and content contributors who have developed and improved this course over time including:
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- Paul A. Stewart, CLP, Course Chair
- Mihaela Bojin, Ph.D., CLP
Foundations in IP Valuation
Level: Intermediate – Some experience, typically 1-3 years, with IP licensing and interest in specific topics.
Description:
This course will present an overview of IP valuation for non-valuation professionals. The course covers at a high level the premises and definitions of IP value, and dives deeply into implementation through the application of the three primary IP valuation approaches: market, income, and cost. The valuation approaches discussion focuses on how to select the most sable suitable approach, sources of data for implementing each approach, implementation steps and calculations, and review and benchmarking of valuation results. We incorporate many examples and hands-on group and individual exercises, while also providing ways to assess risk and tools to incorporate risk into the value assessments. The course also includes a section on brand valuation, and a discussion of important current events impacting IP valuation.
Modules:
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- IP Valuation: Introduction and definitions
- Premises of IP Value
- Market Approach
- Income Approach
- Cost Approach
- Risk adjustment in IP valuation
- Current issues affecting the IP Marketplace
You will learn the following topics:
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- How to apply the three main methods of valuing intellectual property, Market, Income and Cost approaches
- How to incorporate risk into these value assessments
- How to approach the valuation of a Brand
- Current issues that are impacting value assessments of IP
What previous attendees have said:
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- “LES delivered once again with an excellent valuation course, too good to be missed – don’t!”
- “Thank you for a wonderful class on IP valuation. Well organized and hands on is very valuable. My PhD thesis is focused on venture investment and value creation. Some of the data sources are very valuable for me.”
Recommended LES courses to take in advance or equivalent experience:
-
- IP Licensing Basics
- Mechanics of a License
- Strengthening Your License: The Sequel to Mechanics of a License
- Due Diligence
Recommended LES courses to take after:
-
- Managing IP Value in Startups & Early-Stage Ventures
- LES CLP Exam Review
Course Creators & Contributors:
Thank you to our course chair, past course chairs and content contributors who have developed and improved this course over time including:
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- Efrat Kasznik, Course Co-Chair
- Sam Wiley, Course Co-Chair
- Lynn Dudinsky
- Carolyn Tomberlin
Mechanics of a License
Level: Intermediate – Some experience, typically 1-3 years, with IP licensing and interest in specific topics.
Description:
This course provides an in-depth exploration of key licensing agreement clauses. Participants will learn practical strategies for negotiating and drafting effective license agreements, using real-world examples to address both licensor and licensee perspectives. The course is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of complex licensing issues and improve their ability to execute successful agreements.
Modules:
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- Grant Clauses
- Royalty Clauses
- Indemnification
- Land Mines
- Boilerplate Clauses
- Representations and Warranties
You will learn the following topics:
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- Fundamental principles and details involved in the execution of a license
- How to balance the financial interests and risks of licensors and licensees
- How to apply real-world clauses to enhance the effectiveness of your own licensing deals
- The practical differences between representations and warranties
What previous attendees have said:
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- “A valuable refresher course that provides useful knowledge to stay current with IP license agreements.”
Recommended LES courses to take in advance or equivalent experience:
-
- IP Licensing Basics
- IP Negotiation Basics
- Due Diligence
Recommended LES courses to take after:
-
- Strengthening Your License
- Foundations in IP Valuation
Course Creators & Contributors:
Thank you to our course chair, past course chairs and content contributors who have developed and improved this course over time including:
Strengthening Your License
Level: Intermediate – Some experience, typically 1-3 years, with IP licensing and interest in specific topics.
Description:
This course will build on standard clauses discussed in the Mechanics of a License course, and examine less common, but very useful, terms that can be included in license agreements. The insights provided in this class, including the nuances of when and how to use these provisions, can help you negotiate strong and enduring license agreements.
Modules:
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- Non-disclosure
- Relationship Management including Mediation and Arbitration
- Grant Backs
- Tying Purchases to the License
- Most Favored Licensee Provisions
- Personnel Support for Transfer of Information
- Agreement Assignment
- Software Escrow
You will learn the following topics:
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- What each of these terms means and their limitations
- When to use or not use these terms to optimize your license agreement
- How to leverage these terms for a better deal
Recommended LES courses to take in advance or equivalent experience:
-
- Mechanics of a License
Recommended LES courses to take after:
-
- Fundamentals in IP Valuation
Course Creators & Contributors:
Thank you to our course chair, past course chairs and content contributors who have developed and improved this course over time including:
Due Diligence
Level: Intermediate – Some experience, typically 1-3 years, with IP licensing and interest in specific topics.
Description:
Due diligence is the research conducted prior to engaging in a business transaction. This course will provide guidance on how to develop and implement a due diligence strategy for a deal involving intellectual property (IP). It will discuss the What, When, Where, Who and How to perform due diligence depending on the deal and its importance to your organization.
Modules:
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- Technical due diligence
- Legal due diligence
- Commercial and financial due diligence
- Live interactive case study with breakout groups
You will learn the following topics:
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- Ways to evaluate technology lifecycle, maturity, and technical readiness
- Ownership, remaining legal life of IP assets, freedom to operate
- Understanding market size, market growth, pricing
- What questions to ask and who to work with
What previous attendees have said:
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- “Overall great session.”
Recommended LES courses to take in advance or equivalent experience:
-
- IP Licensing Basics
Recommended LES courses to take after:
-
- Foundations in IP Valuation
- Mechanics of a License
- Strengthening Your License
Course Creators & Contributors:
Thank you to our course chair, past course chairs and content contributors who have developed and improved this course over time including:
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- Gillian M. Fenton, Esq., CLP, Course Co-Chair
- Samuel Mercer, Course Co-Chair
- Karen Temple, Ph.D.
Industry, Universities, and Government – How to Work Together Through Contracts
Level: Beginner – Brand new to IP licensing, typically <1 year experience.
Description:
The interface between institutions doing basic research and industries that turn that research into commercial products can feel like a minefield. Both parties enter agreement negotiations with constraints that may not be apparent to the other. In this course we discuss many of those constraints, both legal and cultural.
Modules:
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- Basis for different perspectives
- Organization structures (e.g., affiliates for industry or university foundations)
- Academic policies and laws (e.g., Bayh Dole) that impact Technology Transfer
- Common agreement issues and solutions – Confidentiality, Sponsored Research, Licenses, Consultancy, and Material Transfer agreements
- Hot topics
You will learn the following topics:
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- What is the Bayh Dole Law What is the impact of Bayh-Dole on Universities and Corporations
- Why corporate affiliate structures can impact agreement terms
- Terms that can work to reach common ground on agreements
Recommended LES courses to take in advance or equivalent experience:
-
- IP Licensing Basics
- Mechanics of a License
Course Creators & Contributors:
Thank you to our course chair, past course chairs and content contributors who have developed and improved this course over time including:
-
- Steven M. Ferguson, CLP, Course Co-Chair
- Jennifer R. Gottwald, Ph.D., CLP, Course Co-Chair
- Louise Levien, Ph.D., CLP
- Karen Temple, Ph.D.
Legal Ethics
Level: Intermediate
Objectives:
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- Learn to spot ethical questions in IP transactions
- Understand the role played by an attorney’s rules of professional conduct in connection with transactions
- Understand the interplay between an attorney’s ethical obligations to clients and others during transactions and litigation
Course Schedule
Negotiation Skills
Level: Intermediate – Some experience, typically 1-3 years, with IP licensing and interest in specific topics.
Description:
This course builds on concepts introduced in our IP Negotiation Basics course, bringing your awareness and skills to the next level. This level goes deeper into tactics used and abused, and how to leverage interests through effective communication to drive mutually agreeable positions. Understanding these nuances is part and parcel of the art of negotiating effective, win-win license deals. Take your next step in your journey to becoming a master negotiator.
Modules:
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- Interests and Positions
- Power and Leverage
- People and Teams
- Negotiating Tactics
- Dealing with Uncertainty
- Positive Roadmap to Negotiating
You will learn the following topics:
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- To align both parties’ interests and positions to reach a win-win
- What it means to negotiate in good faith
- How to spot and deal with tactical plays and bad faith negotiators
- How to use leverage to offset power differentials
- How to leverage communication styles to build situational awareness
Recommended LES courses to take in advance or equivalent experience:
-
- IP Negotiation Basics
- Due Diligence
- Mechanics of a License
Recommended LES courses to take after:
-
- Strengthening your License – A Sequel to Mechanics of a License
- Foundations in IP Valuation
- LES CLP Exam Review
Course Creators & Contributors:
Thank you to our course chair, past course chairs and content contributors who have developed and improved this course over time including:
Intro to Damages
Level: Intermediate – Some experience, typically 1-3 years, with IP licensing and interest in specific topics.
Description:
TBD
Modules:
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- TBD
You will learn the following topics:
-
- TBD
Recommended LES courses to take in advance or equivalent experience:
-
- TBD
Recommended LES courses to take after:
-
- TBD
Course Creators & Contributors:
Thank you to our course chair, past course chairs and content contributors who have developed and improved this course over time including:
-
- TBD
Negotiation Skills Practicum
Level: Advanced – More experience required, typically >3 years.
This course will build upon the intermediate course and help you develop the knowledge and skills required to maintain a level of control during the negotiating process in an immersive 6-hour team Case Study & Mock Negotiation. You will choose a role with defined responsibilities and be on a team of at most 7 others to prepare a strategy to negotiate. You and your team will negotiate an important international agreement between two technology companies. At the end of the course you will receive a “Course on a Card” that covers negotiating room dynamics and is suitable to throw in your backpack for future reference.
Course Schedule
LES CLP Exam Review Course
Level: Advanced – More experience required, typically >3 years.
Description:
The Certified Licensing Professional (CLP) credential in intellectual property licensing and commercialization is a valuable career asset. This certification indicates to clients, colleagues and potential employers that you have advanced experience and qualifications in key identified subject areas. This course will provide you with a high-level overview of the major performance domains and content that you may see in your CLP exam so that you feel more prepared to take the certification exam. Applicants are strongly encouraged to fully prepare for taking the exam. For more information on the CLP Exam and ways to study, and to view a copy of the CLP Candidate Handbook, please visit the Certified Licensing Professionals, Inc.
Disclaimer: This course is not intended or meant to replace exam study and professional experience.
Modules:
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- Intellectual Property Protection
- Opportunity Assessment, Development, and Valuation
- Negotiation
- Agreement Development & Drafting
- Agreement Management
You will review the following topics:
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- Principles and concepts from each of the five established CLP exam modules listed above
- Interactive sample questions from the CLP Sample Exam
What previous attendees have said:
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- “All of the instructors provided personal professional experience as examples for the educational material which was greatly helpful to visualize the information and quickly get the point across.”
- “I thought it was a great overview of the material, and I feel much more confident going into the CLP exam than prior to taking the class.”
- “I realize that this course was advertised as being a refresher, however, it was a lot of information that went into detail in a very short period of time.”
- “A fun learning experience that validates your licensing expertise!”
Recommended LES courses to take in advance or equivalent experience:
-
- All LES Education Courses
Course Creators & Contributors:
Thank you to our course chair, past course chairs and content contributors who have developed and improved this course over time including:
Course Schedule
Managing IP Value in Startups & Early-Stage Ventures: Leveraging IP for Funding, Growth and Exit
Level: Advanced – More experience required, typically >3 years.
Description:
Unlock the full potential of your startup by mastering the strategic management of IP assets. This advanced course offers practical tools and insights to help you align your IP portfolio with your business goals, driving growth, attracting investors, and positioning your venture for a successful exit. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or legal advisor, this course is essential for anyone involved in the commercialization of early-stage innovations.
Modules:
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- The Startup Lifecycle
- IP and Startup Value & Business Model
- Creating an IP Position
- Leveraging IP for Funding
- Leveraging IP for Exit
You will learn the following topics:
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- The intersection of IP valuation and startup valuation
- Creating an IP portfolio that is aligned with startup valuation growth
- Using big data analytics and pricing databases in making IP decisions
- Leveraging IP assets for funding, growth and exit
- The investor’s perspective on IP value: Debt v. Equity Funding
- IP valuation considerations in exit: Mergers & Acquisitions
What previous attendees have said:
-
- “Many thanks to Efrat and Sam for an excellent day full of stimulating conversations“
- “Really enjoyed the class. The knowledge of the instructors was on par with the class information.”
Recommended LES courses to take in advance or equivalent experience:
-
- Foundations in IP Valuation
- Negotiation Skills
Recommended LES courses to take after:
-
- LES CLP Exam Review
Course Creators & Contributors:
Thank you to our course chair, past course chairs and content contributors who have developed and improved this course over time including:
-
- Efrat Kasznik, Course Chair
- Lynn Dudinsky
- Sam Wiley
-
Course Schedule
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