J. Thomas McCarthy.

A well-known intellectual property center has found a new home at Golden Gate University.

The McCarthy Institute—which is devoted to studying the intersection of business innovation, technology and intellectual property—has moved across town from the University of San Francisco School of Law to Golden Gate's business and law schools.

Administrators at Golden Gate's law school said they believe it's the first IP center to co-locate with a business school. The McCarthy Institute was established 10 years ago at the University of San Francisco's law school by trademarks expert J. Thomas McCarthy. The institute conducts research, publishes peer-reviewed scholarship about IP law, and hosts an annual symposium for legal and branding professionals. A number of major companies and law firms have come on board to sponsor the Institute's events, including Google Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Amazon.com Inc. The institute offers mentorships opportunities for students as well as the chance to network with leaders in the IP field and Silicon Valley.

“The McCarthy Institute has a proven record of supporting high quality conferences, teaching and research into trademark and branding issues,” McCarthy said in an announcement of the move. “I look forward to the Institute continuing this important work at Golden Gate University.”

Golden Gate law Dean Anthony Niedwiecki said that bringing the institute to his campus is part of his yearlong campaign to transform the law school. It will bring employment benefits to students, he said.

“The institute's work reflects what is truly happening in the legal, tech and business worlds,” Niedwiecki said. “Patents and trademarks are now inextricably connected to a company's brand, business model, and marketing, especially with technology companies. The institute understands this, which puts our students at an advantage in the marketplace.”

The institute sponsors student fellows from the law and business schools who assist on research projects and help organize events.

Golden Gate is marking the institute's move with an opening ceremony Sept. 13. Slated to speak are Mary Denison, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Commissioner for Trademarks, as well as Etienne Sanz De Acedo, chief executive officer of the International Trademark Association.

“We are pleased to be the new home for the prestigious McCarthy Institute as it will complement and enrich our strong existing programs in IP, technology and innovation,” said Golden Gate University president David Fike. “It is particularly exciting that the institute will be yet another resource to help GGU law and business students gain the real-world skills and connections they need to advance professionally.”