Masters Degrees (Intellectual Property)

The LLM in Intellectual Property Law programme allows students to study introductory and advanced intellectual property (IP) and technology law and to scrutinise the policies affecting intellectual property and technology law under the guidance of leading scholars in the field. Students will be able to study a wide range of topics from the protection of inventions, products, trade marks, creative works and designs to the global policy surrounding the law.


Modules:


To specialise in this area, you must select 90 credits of modules from this list and do your compulsory dissertation in the field of Intellectual Property Law (45 credits). The additional 45 credits of taught modules can be in this area or can be unrelated and therefore selected from the full list of LLM modules.

All modules are 22.5 credits unless otherwise stated.

Note: Not all of the modules listed will be available in any one year and semesters listed can be subject to change. Any modules not available in the forthcoming academic session will be marked as soon as this information is confirmed by teaching academics.

The updated module list below represents the result of our ongoing modularisation of the LLM which is intended to offer students greater flexibility and choice of module options.

◦ QLLM025 E-Commerce Law (45 credits)
◦ QLLM076 Media Law (45 credits)
◦ QLLM095 Intellectual Property and the Creative Industries (45 credits)
◦ QLLM145 Intellectual Property in Business (45 credits)
◦ QLLM162 Intellectual Property Taxation (Sem 2)
◦ QLLM178 Competition Law, Intellectual Property and Innovation (45 credits)
◦ QLLM308 Civil Enforcement of Intellectual Property (Sem 1) (Not running 2016-17)
◦ QLLM309 Criminal Enforcement of Intellectual Property (Sem 2) (Not running 2016-17)
◦ QLLM314 Transnational Law and Governance (Sem 1)
◦ QLLM315 Transnational Law and Governance in Practice (Sem 2)
◦ QLLM328 Digital Intellectual Property Law (sem 1)
◦ QLLM329 Informational Technology Transactions (sem 2)
◦ QLLM330 Comparative Copyright Law (sem 1)
◦ QLLM331 International Copyright: International Treaties and Cross-Border Litigation (sem 1)
◦ QLLM332 Comparative Law of Patents and Trade Secrets (sem 1)
◦ QLLM333 International Law of Patents and Related Rights (sem 2)
◦ QLLM334 Licensing Intellectual Property (sem 1)
◦ QLLM335 Intellectual Property and Fashion: Art and Design (sem 1)
◦ QLLM336 Intellectual Property and Fashion: Business and Law (Sem 2) (Not running 2016-17)
◦ QLLM337 Design and Intellectual Property: EU and US
◦ QLLM338 International and Comparative Law of Unfair Competition (sem 1)
◦ QLLM339 The Law of Registered Trade Marks (sem 2)
◦ QLLM340 Global Intellectual Property: Fundamental Principles (Sem 1)
◦ QLLM341 Global Intellectual Property: Technology and Policy (sem 2)
◦ QLLM342 Interactive Entertainment and Intellectual Property Law (sem 1)
◦ QLLM343 Interactive Entertainment Law: Contracts and Regulation (sem 2)
◦ QLLM344 The Law of Film (sem 1)
◦ QLLM345 The Business of Film (Sem 2) (Not running 2016-17)
◦ QLLM346 EU Copyright Law (sem 2)
◦ QLLM347 The Law of Geographical Indications (GIs) (sem 2)
◦ QLLM348 Music Industry Contracts (sem 2)
◦ QLLM349 Transnational Mooting (sem 1)
◦ QLLM389 Copyright and Trademark in China (sem 1)
◦ QLLM390 Patent and Design in China (sem 2)
◦ QLLM400 United States Energy Law, Regulation and Policy (sem 1)

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Overview

Intellectual Property Law has become an interdisciplinary field comprised of law, engineering, medical science, economics, and numerous other fields. The MSc in Management of Intellectual Property explores the foundations of this area of law with relation to patents, trade marks and the other core areas within this field.

This Masters of Science is primarily aimed at science and engineering graduates who wish to pursue a career as patent or trade mark attorneys, though it is also open to graduates from all academic backgrounds who wish to study Intellectual Property (IP) at postgraduate level.

There is continued need for expertise in intellectual property law and management in industry, commerce and the innovative and creative industries, and this MSc gives you the opportunity to study IP to a high level. The programme offers a professional stream (for science and technology graduates), and a business stream, available to graduates from all fields looking to expand their knowledge of the application and management of IP.

Professional stream
The professional stream is directed towards graduates (primarily sciences and other technical industries, but also from all other backgrounds) seeking qualification as patent and trade mark attorneys.

Business stream
Students on the business stream will gain profound knowledge of the law and its operation with a view to working in areas such as the press and media, the entertainment industry, the internet and software industries, or the luxury goods industries. Further sectors where knowledge in Intellectual Property and related areas is seen as a particular advantage include governments, international organisations, universities or non-governmental institutions.

This programme will:
◦Give you a choice of two streams to suit your background; a professional stream for science and engineering graduates, and a business stream for graduates of other disciplines.
◦Offer science and engineering graduates the opportunity to gain professional exemptions from Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) and Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA).

What is Intellectual Property (IP) law?

Intellectual Property Law has become an interdisciplinary field comprising law, engineering, medical science, economics, and numerous other fields. This programme teaches the foundations of this area of law with relation to patents, trademarks and the other core areas within this field.

Why study Intellectual Property law?

The MSc Management of Intellectual Property programme was developed as we recognised the increasingly important role of intellectual property in our modern economy. There is an emerging need in industry, in commerce and in those professions concerned with intellectual property law, for science and technology graduates who have studied intellectual property law to a high level. In industry, particularly in small and medium-sized firms involved in research and development, where there is no in-house lawyer or patent agent, there is often a need for an intermediary between the firms and the external lawyer or patent agent for example; or for an executive to handle the inward or outward licensing of technology, to negotiate research and development contracts (where ownership of intellectual property is usually central to the bargaining) or generally to have a basic knowledge of current developments in the field of business law (eg. contract law, product liability law) insofar as these may relate to the firm's present or future activities.

With the introduction of the new business stream we also offer a distinct avenue for graduates from all backgrounds to gain valuable knowledge of intellectual property.

Structure of the MSc in Management of Intellectual Property

Classes usually commence mid-September with examinations in May/June. Courses are taught during the day at Queen Mary University of London campuses and usually take place between 9.00am and 5.00pm.

There is an initial Basic English Law examination which takes place two weeks after the start of the programme. Students then select which stream they wish to undertake.

Compulsory modules:

◦Study project (45 credits)
◦Basic principles of English law, evidence and practice (non-credit bearing but all students must pass this module at the start of the programme)

All students require 180 credits in total.

Professional stream students have core modules plus one free choice half module of 22.5 credits. In addition to this, professional stream students also sit two additional papers to gain exemption from the foundation papers of CIPA and ITMA, both papers must be passed to gain the exemption for either institution.

Business stream students have a free choice of 135 credits (three full modules or six half modules, or a combination of the two.)

All students are required to study the core subject units: Patent law, Copyright and designs law, Law of trade marks and unfair competition, Competition law, and Basic principles of English law, evidence and practice in term one. Occasional additional second semester options may be available.

]]Modules:]]

Read the full module descriptions on the QMUL web site.

Modules which run annually:
◦The law of copyright and design I (Compulsory for Professional stream)
◦The law of patents I and II (Compulsory for Professional stream)
◦Trade mark law I and II (Compulsory for Professional Stream
◦Study Project (Core Module for all students)
◦The law of competition I
◦Media law
◦Trade mark law I
◦The law of patents I
◦Intellectual property in food, biotechnology and agriculture
◦Intellectual property in the United States.

Modules which may run but cannot be guaranteed:
◦Competition law and licensing I and II
◦The law of copyright and design I and I
◦Information technology law
◦Intellectual property transactions
◦Licensing practice.

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About the course

The Brunel International Intellectual Property Law LLM (available full-time and part-time) is one of the most comprehensive programmes in the UK in the field of intellectual property.

The programme provides students with extensive knowledge on the fundamentals of intellectual property, as well as the opportunity to develop specialised skills through a wide range of elective modules, covering both policy and practical technology-related issues.

Intellectual property, especially at international level, is a fast-growing area of law largely due to the impact of technology. The widespread use of the Internet and other cross-border communications and commercial technologies has led to a comprehensive and complex legislative framework at international level (WTO, WIPO, EU). With the undisputed relevance of intellectual property in innovation and access to knowledge, the demand for structured study of the area has increased.

The LLM in International Intellectual Property Law keeps ahead of the 'curve' in thinking in this area, due to our highly active Intellectual Property research centre, which in addition to providing direction and support to students’ study, regularly hosts seminars and workshops, as well as international conferences.

The programme is available full-time:
September (12 months)
January (15 months, due to dissertation submission requirements)

And also part-time:
September (24 months)
January (27 months, due to dissertation submission requirements)

Aims

You will develop an expertise in the corpus and complexities of intellectual property law.

You will acquire critical and analytical skills in the complex field of intellectual property law.

You will be able to produce original research, apply knowledge and demonstrate practical and critical understanding

You will gain valuable professional skills required to develop a successful career.

You will be able to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the legislative framework at international level (WTO, WIPO, EU).

This Master's course is designed for graduates from anywhere in the world who wish to develop a specialist knowledge on intellectual property law and related areas.

Course Content

The LLM consists of both compulsory and optional modules, a typical selection can be found below. Modules can vary from year to year, but these offer a good idea of what we teach.

Compulsory modules:

Term I
Philosophical Foundations of IP 1

Term II
International Intellectual Property Law 1

PLUS, EITHER

Term I
Patent Law and Practice 1

OR

Term II
Trade Marks and Allied Rights 1

Optional modules:

Term I

EU Competition Law 2
Privacy and Data Protection 2
Media Law and Regulation 1 or 2
Internet Law I - Substantive Legal Issues 2
Patent Law and Practice 2 (if not taken as a compulsory module)
Trade Marks and Allied Rights 2 (if not taken as a compulsory module)

Term II

Internet Law II - Resolving Internet-related Legal Issues and Disputes 1 or 2
International Commercial Litigation 1 or 2
Copyright, Design and Allied Rights 1 or 2
Managing Intellectual Property 1 or 2

Term I and II
EU Intellectual Property Law 2

* The superscript 1 or 2 indicates which year of study each module will normally take place in for part-time students.

Teaching

The faculty places great emphasis on the creation of a unique learning experience.

In addition to attending seminars and preparing coursework and exams, students will also learn by participating in research centre activities and research trips, contributing to newsletters, making oral presentations, attending law film screenings as well as participating in debating events and reading group sessions. On average there are 16 hours of teaching per credit module, delivered through a combination of teaching methods.

This is a challenging programme that is at the forefront of thinking in International Intellectual Property Law. It is taught by leading academics with a wide range of expertise in internet law, copyright, patents and competition law.

Assessment

For each module you will be assessed twice, first by way of a written essay and then by way of a "seen" or "pre-release" examination, where the question paper is released a short time before the day of the exam.

Each assessment is worth 50% of the overall mark.

Special Features

Intellectual Property Law at Brunel University is a well-established area of teaching and research. It is highly rated for the quality of its staff publications, research projects and teaching standard.

Lecturers at the International Intellectual Property Law LLM include academics and practitioners with recognised expertise in all areas of intellectual property law.

Flexible start times and learning options
The course is available in full-time and part-time mode, with start dates in September and January. Students gain greater flexibility with this programme because Brunel Law School offers smaller 15 credit modules, which provides its students a range of options to tailor study and provide additional flexibility in study arrangements.

Research and Research Centres
The Law School benefits from active research centres which regularly host research seminars and workshops, as well as international conferences.
The Law School is equally particularly proud of its various events that are offered on Intellectual Property, there is a diverse programme which supports the learning of our students and LLM students will be expected to actively participate.
At Brunel Law School we believe that an active research community is important in providing postgraduate with the latest thinking in human rights. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework
(REF2014) we were ranked 14th in the UK for REF Intensity in Law.

Extra-curricular activities
The Law School offers students numerous opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities, including a Reading Group, a Law Film society, mooting and debating societies, research workshops, and study visits. All students are expected to play a leading role in participating in these activities.

Research skills
The Law School offers an elaborate scheme of research and writing skills sessions designed to facilitate students’ learning and to equip them with appropriate transferable skills.
Some of the modules in this programme also integrate skills training, for example on how to answer essay questions, make use of electronic legal databases and cite legal authorities.

Career Support
Students benefit from the University’s award winning Professional Development Centre which offers specialist workshops, interview skills, and one-to-one advice sessions to help prepare graduates for their chosen career.

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Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Intellectual Property and Commercial Practice at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).

It is estimated that 70% of a typical company’s value today lies in its intangible assets (UK Treasury Gower’s Review of Intellectual Property, 2006). Yet evidence would suggest that companies do not readily understand the nature of these legal assets nor manage them in an effective commercial manner, such that they are sometimes described as the ‘hidden assets’ of a business looking to operate in today’s global market place. Students following this LLM in Intellectual Property and Commercial Practice will gain an in-depth legal knowledge of issues and the practical skills acquired will make them an invaluable asset to international commercial organisations.

Key Features of Intellectual Property and Commercial Practice

The LLM in Intellectual Property and Commercial Practice requires commitment to study throughout one calendar year. Students are given the opportunity to develop a number of important skills which are not only essential to those wishing to become lawyers but are valuable, transferable skills in themselves in other employment contexts. The Department of Shipping and Trade Law offers its students dedicated resources, including IT facilities and teaching rooms. Students of the Intellectual Property and Commercial Practice programme are fully supported by the College's dedicated Law Librarian and the Law Library holds an extensive selection of legal materials and on-line services such as Lexis and Westlaw. Students are encouraged to make full use of the facilities offered by the Shipping and Trade Law Department and, in particular, to take advantage of training sessions run by the Department, such as the legal research methods and Employability sessions, as well as of the Visiting Lectures’ series.

Modules

The LLM in Intellectual Property and Commercial Practice degree is modular, with students required to accumulate 180 credits to graduate. In appropriate circumstances, a student of LLM in Intellectual Property and Commercial Practice may graduate with a merit or distinction. Each programme is divided into two parts: Part I consists of 4 taught modules each weighted at 30 credits. Students undertaking an LLM in Intellectual Property and Commercial Practice are required to take four modules from the following list. It is compulsory for students on the LLM Intellectual Property and Commercial Practice to study Law of Intellectual Assets Management and Transactions. Students will also be required to take 3 modules from the rest of the modules listed below:

Competition Law

E-Commerce

International Corporate Law and Governance

International Intellectual Property Law

International Commercial Arbitration

Ship and other Mobile Assets Finance Law

Following the successful completion of the taught modules, LLM in Intellectual Property and Commercial Practice students proceed to Part II, which is composed of two projects (LLM Research Projects). At least one of the LLM Research Projects must be written in the area of the Law of Intellectual Assets Management & Transactions. The LLM Research Projects will customarily be researched and written up over the summer period and are designed to enable LLM in Intellectual Property and Commercial Practice students to develop their research skills.

For further information on the modules, please visit the LLM Intellectual Property & Commercial Practice page.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Throughout their studies, LLM in Intellectual Property and Commercial Practice students are provided with the opportunity to take part in a number of extra-curricular activities and enhance their practical understanding of shipping, insurance and commercial practice. Such activities include;

- employability lectures

- guest lecture series delivered inter alia by former judges, directors of international organisations and prominent partners from city law firms

- networking events, including an Annual LLM Career Fair

- visits to a number of leading enterprises within the City of London which also give our students another chance to network with professionals working in the commercial and maritime field

- mooting training throughout the year, including tailored guidance and weekly training classes

- free English language classes designed to assist you in improving your critical legal thinking and writing

Careers & Employability

The International Careers Adviser at Swansea runs weekly workshops for international students for example, on how to improve career prospects and improve interview techniques. The Postgraduate Department also employs two dedicated LLM employability officers who run a series of talks to develop the skills of LLM students and inform their career plans.

The Department also enjoys close links with law firms. For example, Associate Professor Andrew Beale OBE is a consultant with Capital Law and offers legal advice on IP matters. The Swansea LLM is well known internationally. Many of our graduates secure employment shortly after completing their degrees. Several international firms keep a close relationship with the Department of Shipping and Trade Law and regularly send representatives for guest lectures and graduate recruitment purposes. Also every year the Shipping and Trade Law Department hosts the LLM Careers Fair which is attended by representatives from a wide range of local and international organisations. The Fair enables our LLM students to meet and talk face to face with prospective employers. For further information on the Employability initiatives, please visit http://www.swansea.ac.uk/law/shipping-trade-law-department/llmemployabilityinitiativesandresults/

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The LLM in Intellectual Property Law enables you to study the fundamental principles behind the laws of intellectual property.

The programme aims to provide you with an advanced knowledge of substantive intellectual property law, and of the place and role of intellectual property within domestic, regional and international contexts.

This programme enables you to develop a fully rounded understanding of intellectual property rights, their role in society and the impact of intellectual property (IP) on global economics and development.

The programme aims to equip students with an advanced knowledge and understanding of IP law within an international, European and domestic (UK) context.

The programme covers all the major IP rights, including copyright, designs, trade marks, and patents as well as confidentiality, passing off, database rights and other IP protection.

The programme also addresses global policy-making and the framework of international treaties that govern intellectual property law, as well as consideration of IP rights in their social, cultural and commercial contexts.

Please note that the one year and 20 month study durations for the LLM in Intellectual Property Law will not be available for entry in the 2017/18 academic year.

Online learning

Our distance learning programmes are delivered through eSCRIPT, our flexible online learning environment.

Through eSCRIPT you will access learning materials and interact with your tutor and fellow students. eSCRIPT is accessible through the internet from any computer. A fast connection is an advantage, but you do not need any special equipment, applications or plug-ins to use it.

We aim to provide challenging, research-led teaching with students benefiting from the expertise of a multidisciplinary team of tutors and the results of innovative cross-cutting research of the highest quality.

Programme structure

You must complete a total of six courses (120 credit points), four of which must be core IP law courses, and complete a dissertation (60 credit points) over your chosen period of study.

Core courses offered in 2016/17:

• European Competition and Innovation
• Intellectual Property Law - Copyright and Related Rights
• Intellectual Property Law - Industrial Property
• International Intellectual Property Law
• Legal Aspects of Managing Intellectual Property

Please note the available choice of courses in any given year may change.

• Detailed course descriptions

Learning outcomes

The subjects of the degree are intended to equip you with both an advanced knowledge of substantive intellectual property law and of the place and role of intellectual property within a domestic, regional and international context, laying a foundation for a specialised dissertation.

By the end of your studies you will have acquired a high level of knowledge in the field of intellectual property law, a sophisticated awareness of the problems in the area and of the differing approaches to their solution.

Career opportunities

Graduates of our online distance learning programmes progress to a range of careers in law and related legal fields, including work in local and international firms, government legal departments, other public institutions, international organisations and in academia.

The programmes are also an ideal platform for advanced research.

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About the course

The Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property is designed for trainee patent attorneys and others working within, or embarking on, a career in intellectual property law and practice. This part-time programme provides a comprehensive overview of theoretical, practical and management aspects of intellectual property.

The course is suitable for both law graduates and those with backgrounds in the sciences, technology, engineering and business. Non-graduates who currently work with intellectual property are also considered. No prior legal knowledge is required, as you will be introduced to essential legal principles as the course progresses.

The course is accredited by the statutory regulator Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg) and the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys. Upon successful completion of the Intellectual Property Postgraduate Certificate, students who wish to qualify as Patent Attorney in the UK receive exemptions from the foundation level papers set by the qualifying examinations agencies (see more details in Special Features ).

The programme starts at the end of September and goes through to March and it is delivered on Wednesdays from 1pm to 5pm.

This is a unique programme designed by the Law School to support Law Firms and the IP industry. The part-time nature of the course makes it possible to gain valuable knowledge of intellectual property law whilst in full-time employment. UK employers sponsor over 80% of students taking the course.

Aims

The programme will provide students with essential knowledge about the theoretical rationales and policy arguments for the recognition of intellectual property rights.

It will explain the basic principles of Intellectual Property Law and the nature and scope of these rights. It will also explore the procedures, both national and supranational, for the granting and recognition of the rights, and mechanisms for enforcement as well as defences against enforcement.

Course Content

The PGCert consists of compulsory modules, a typical selection can be found below. Modules can vary from year to year, but these offer a good idea of what we teach.

Compulsory modules:

Copyright, Design and Allied Rights
Patent Law and Practice
Trade Marks and Allied Rights
Managing Intellectual Property

Assessment

Each module will be assessed independently by way of a written examination or coursework.

Term 1 modules are assessed at the beginning of January. Term 2 modules are assessed during the University’s main exam period – the end of March to the beginning of May. Exact dates are confirmed to all students during the academic year.

Special Features

Intellectual Property Law at Brunel University is well established and highly rated for the quality of its staff publications, research projects and teaching standard. Staff teaching at the Intellectual Property Postgraduate Certificate include academics and practitioners with recognised expertise in all areas of intellectual property law.

Exemptions
The course is accredited by the Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg), the statutory body regulating the professions of patent attorney and trade mark attorney. It provides exemptions in the examinations to become a qualified Patent Attorney in the UK.
For more details on qualifications, examinations, and exemptions please visit the website of the Joint Examination Board (JEB), the body responsible for the organisation and management of the examinations of CIPA for entry onto the Register of Patent Attorneys.

Patent Attorney
Students preparing to train as Patent Attorneys will receive full exemption from all Foundation Level Papers (P1, P5, P7, D&C, Law) set by the Joint Examination Board and the Institute of Patent Attorneys.

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This course offers a detailed insight in law, management and policy relating to patents, copyright, trademarks and other intellectual property rights.

It provides international and comparative perspectives that cover not only traditional intellectual property issues like industrial property, artistic works and brands, but emerging areas of policy including the digital economy and biotechnology.

This programme reflects the growing importance of international developments in intellectual property, and confronts growing controversies such as the relationships between intellectual property and human rights norms, access to knowledge, new technologies and economic development.

You’ll explore the international norms and institutions relating to intellectual property such as the World Trade Organisation’s TRIPS Agreement, and consider the wider social and economic implications of intellectual property for health, culture, education, technology, innovation and economic development.

You’ll benefit from the expertise of leading academics in a stimulating research environment. Our research groups include:

• Law & Emerging Technologies (LET) Research Group
• Centre for Business Law and Practice (CBLP)
• Centre for Criminal Justice Studies (CCJS)
• Centre for Law & Social Justice(LSJ)

Course content

The compulsory modules studied will give you an opportunity to:

• study the key principles and features, rules and court decisions concerning patents, copyright and trademarks
• examine the key cases that have shaped intellectual property rights law in the major legal jurisdictions
• discover other rights such as designs and geographical indications
• learn about how business acquires and deploys intellectual property rights.

These compulsory modules will also enable you to hone your legal research and writing skills, which you’ll be able to demonstrate in your dissertation – an independent piece of research on your chosen topic.

If you study with us, you’ll also benefit from our academic skills programme. This 10-week programme runs alongside your taught academic programme, and is specifically designed to meet the needs of home and international students in the School of Law. It allows you to refine and develop the academic and transferable skills to excel during your taught postgraduate programmes, as well as prepare for professional roles after graduation.

The wide-ranging list of optional modules means that you can explore a mixture of related subjects of interest to you.

As a part-time student, you’ll take four compulsory modules in your first year and two optional modules. In your second year, you’ll carry out your dissertation and study two optional modules.

Course structure

Compulsory modules

• Postgraduate Legal Research Skills 15 credits
• Trade Marks, Geographical Indications, Designs and Trade Secrets 15 credits
• Patent Law 15 credits
• Copyright Law 15 credits
• Dissertation 60 credits

Optional modules

• Cyberlaw: Regulation of Cyberspace 15 credits
• International E-Commerce Law 15 credits
• Intellectual Property Management 15 credits
• Digital Environment: Law, Technologies & Human Rights 15 credits
• Contemporary Issues in Intellectual Property: Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Expressions 15 credits
• Contemporary Issues in Intellectual Property: Health, Food and Biotechnology 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Intellectual Property Law LLM Full Time in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Our compulsory and optional modules are taught through a range of weekly seminars, lectures and workshops.

You’ll need to prepare for your seminars and lectures, undertaking any exercises that might be prescribed in advance. Independent study is integral to this programme – not just to prepare for classes but to develop research and other critical skills.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a variety of methods but for most modules you’ll be required to write an essay at the end of each module. You’ll also be expected to write a final dissertation.

Career opportunities

This programme, which is also accessible to non-lawyers, provides essential knowledge and skills should you wish to embark upon a career in the legal professions, and in knowledge-intensive commercial sectors. These include the technology and creative industries as well as their representative organisations.

The degree will attract employers in other occupations where in-depth understanding of intellectual property is considered economically or strategically important. These include government service as well as intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations.

Careers support

The School of Law offers career and personal development support through the School of Law Careers Advisor. The School also arranges career development workshops, seminars and one-to-one sessions for students on all postgraduate programmes.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

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Your programme of study

Intellectual Property Law is required for a surprising amount of industries across creative, marketing, architecture, all new business in terms of trade marks and brand protection, innovations in terms of new product patents and intellectual property rights, internet businesses including e-commerce,  and many many other organisations and businesses. It is international in its protection with variations upon how the law is interpreted depending upon where you trade. For anyone trading internationally it is essential to know how the law is interpreted in the country you are selling in.

Intellectual property law protection can include a wide range of different levels of protection which include full rights, in which you give all rights for a specific tangible or intangible item with specifications written down to protect your idea, partial rights when licensing to others either long term or short term, creative commons to allow access to the idea and monetisation by a different method or the ability to license at specific times and periods of time, specific tangible products. All companies with a creative component are at risk of infringement from when they start to trade to when they cease business so it is a question of how to manage intellectual property, keep growing and trading and benefitting from the turnover that your creative assets bring into your company.

If you want to specialist in intellectual property law this can be a hugely challenging and rewarding area and you are guaranteed to have no two clients that are alike in terms of needs. Intellectual property law is very closely linked to international trade, contracts, exporting, importing, and extending monetisation of assets. You study the deep issues and challenges of intellectual property law and its application to innovation, creativity, and creative development within a business or organisational context at international level.

Courses listed for the programme

Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship x2

Master of Law Dissertation

Optional

International Intellectual Property

Cultural Property Issues: Law, Art, and Museums

Intellectual Property Law, Human Rights and Development

Trade Marks and Brand Development

Commercialising Innovation and Law

Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/918/intellectual-property-law/

Why study at Aberdeen?

 •           You study at a top 10 ranked UK Law School (The Complete University Guide 2018) 

•            98% of students felt their LLM added value to their career prospects and 97% would recommend their course to others

•            Study with over 40 different nationalities, network and discover intellectual property law in their country

•            Work with creative industries, innovators, growth companies to protect and extend their rights to trade without infringement 

Where you study

• University of Aberdeen
• Full Time or Part Time
• September or January
• 12 Months or 24 Months

  International Student Fees 2017/2018

Find out about fees:

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/tuition-fees-and-living-costs-287.php

*Please be advised that some programmes have different tuition fees from those listed above and that some programmes also have additional costs.

Scholarships

View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/finance-funding-1599.php

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/funding/

Living in Aberdeen

Find out more about:

•            Your Accommodation

•            Campus Facilities

•            Aberdeen City

•            Student Support

•            Clubs and Societies

Find out more about living in Aberdeen:

https://abdn.ac.uk/study/student-life

Living costs

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/finance.php

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This programme is designed to equip students with a comprehensive and specialist education in a range of areas within International Intellectual Property Law. The course will enable students to master the basic principles of the four main ‘pillars’ of IP Law, namely, Copyright, Patents, Trade marks and Industrial Designs. The four main components of IP Law will be examined from three distinct perspectives: domestic (UK), EU and International (global treaties/conventions) and will encompass analysis of legislation, case law (common law and civil law) and specific legal concepts. Where possible, comparative analysis will be carried out as between for example, specific EU IP Law developments and those of third country States e.g. India, Pakistan and China. In addition, certain third countries with well-developed, mature IP systems (e.g. the U.S., Canada and Australia) will be examined for a comparative assessment. The distinct themes of how the Internet has brought about new thinking in the IP world and, possible overlapping forms of IP protection (e.g. copyright and patent protection of computer software) will be examined.

Through carefully designed course work and varied teaching approaches, students from both a common law and civil law background will acquire the intellectual open-ness, technical expertise and critical thinking abilities that are necessary for effectiveness in a globalising world. The programme will equip students to respond effectively to the wide range of intellectual and professional challenges facing contemporary intellectual property lawyers. The LLM in International Intellectual Property Law will equip them to deal with both case work and policy making.

Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities for graduates of the programme will include work with international law firms, patent and trade mark attorneys, local Intellectual Property Offices (e.g. the UK Intellectual Property Office, Chinese Patent and Trade Mark Office and the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks in India),international organisations such as the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations and specialist bodies within the EU e.g. the Office for the Harmonisation of the Internal Market (OHIM) and the European Patent Office (EPO). Directorate-General Internal Market and Services of the European Commission deals with IP matters and is also a potential employer. Other potential employers include international courts and tribunals, think tanks and research centres (e.g. the specialist Max Planck Institute for Intellectual Property and Competition Law (Munich), non-governmental organisations and government (eg. Ministries of Justice; Business, Innovation and Skills and; Foreign Affairs). Having taken one of our programmes, there will, of course, also be possibilities for academically inclined students to pursue careers in teaching and research.

Compulsory Modules:

Legal Research Methods
Intellectual Property Law
Data Protection Law
Dissertation on any topic within International Intellectual Property Law
Optional Modules (choose 4)

International Criminal Law
International Human Rights Law
Children’s Rights in Domestic and International Law
European Human Rights Law
EU Internal Markets Law
Competition Law
Global Trade Law
Comparative Corporate Governance
International Banking Law
International Commercial Arbitration
International Law of Armed Conflict
Dealing with the Legacies of the Past
Structure
January intake: Taught modules are undertaken in the period of January to June and September to January and will involve the study of 120 credits. The dissertation (or equivalent) is valued at 60 credits and is undertaken during the period of June to September.

September intake: Taught modules are undertaken in the period of September to June and will involve the study of 120 credits. The dissertation (or equivalent) is valued at 60 credits and is undertaken during the period of June to September.

Teaching will mostly be seminar-based which will promote group and individual interaction, which also ensures that every individual student is encouraged to contribute to discussions. Seminar-based teaching enables lecturers and students to discuss issues and investigate topics in greater depth, and develops critical thinking and solution-based learning skills in students; whilst also allowing the course teachers to monitor closely each individual’s progress. Emphasis will be placed on the use of virtual learning through the mechanism of the Blackboard computer-assisted learning system and databases such as Westlaw and LexisNexis. Throughout all modules, comparative elements with other legal systems will be emphasised.

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Programme description

This programme is designed to equip you with an advanced knowledge and understanding of intellectual property law within an international, European and domestic (UK) setting.

The core subjects of the programme cover both substantive intellectual property law and the place and role of intellectual property, not just in its legal context but also in its social, ethical, cultural and commercial contexts. The programme spans patents, copyright, trade marks, designs, database rights, breach of confidence, passing off and sui generis rights, as well as investigating a range of issues which underpin contemporary intellectual property law and policy.

Programme structure

This programme offers a range of courses from the field of intellectual property with an international perspective, giving you the option to tailor the programme to suit your needs and interests.

We are currently in the process of confirming courses for the 2018/19 academic year.

• Programme Structure and Courses

Learning outcomes

The subjects of the degree are intended to equip students with both an advanced knowledge of substantive intellectual property law and of the place and role of intellectual property within a domestic, regional and international context, laying a foundation for a specialised dissertation.

By the end of their studies for this degree, students will have acquired a high level of knowledge in the field of intellectual property law, a sophisticated awareness of the problems in the area and of the differing approaches to their solution.

Having studied the programme, students will emerge with an understanding of intellectual Property law not just in its legal but also social, ethical, cultural and commercial contexts.

During their study students will have access to the results of innovative cross-cutting research of the highest quality. The programme is suitable to prepare students for advanced research.

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The dynamic world of intellectual property and communications law is a fast changing specialist field.

Our Master of Intellectual Property and Communications Law can assist you to advance your expertise in this dynamic area. You will gain in-depth knowledge of recent developments, including the laws and regulatory frameworks applicable. We are one of the most prestigious law schools in Australia, and teach units accredited by the Professional Standards Board for Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys to satisfy the knowledge requirements for registration as a Patent Attorney or Trade Marks Attorney.

This one-year course is designed for non-law graduates and is offered at our Monash University Law Chambers in the heart of the legal district of Melbourne. Our course provides you with the flexibility to choose a program of study to suit your interests, skills and professional goals. Full-time or part-time study options allow you to continue to work as well as meet your personal commitments.

The course offers choice from a broad range of intellectual property, communications law areas, or you can select from across the range of Master's law elective units. Our specialist units cover areas such as copyright, international trade law, competition law, law of the Internet, and cybercrime—to name a few. You will gain a thorough theoretical and practical grounding in the laws regulating intellectual property regimes and the broader fields of communications and technology, and develop the advanced professional skills and specialist knowledge required for work in this complex and dynamic field.

You will investigate contemporary issues in law, practice and scholarship, and evaluate complex issues relevant to the field from theoretical, international and interdisciplinary perspectives. The course also enhances your capacity to undertake independent research, and includes options for a pathway to doctoral studies.

Visit the website http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/intellectual-property-and-communications-law-l6003?domestic=true

Course Structure

The course is structured in two parts. Part A: Intellectual property and communications law knowledge and Part B: Extending specialist knowledge electives and research.

PART A: Intellectual Property and communications law knowledge
These studies enable you to develop specialised knowledge and advanced skills in areas of Intellectual property and communications law that suit your interests, skills and career goals.

PART B: Extending specialist knowledge electives and research
These studies will provide you with in-depth knowledge of a wide range of areas of intellectual property and communications law or you can select from across the range of Masters law elective units. You will focus on sources of information relevant to intellectual property and communications law and the application of research methods and specialist discipline knowledge and skills necessary to support work in this field. Depending on your interests and motivation, you can choose a program of study in which you plan and execute a major research-based project with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability.

For more information visit the faculty website - http://www.study.monash/media/links/faculty-websites/law

Faculty of Law

- Who we are

Monash Law is one of the largest and most prestigious law schools in Australia. We have a broad teaching base, strong international links and offer our students a variety of experiential learning opportunities. We are proud to offer a range of Undergraduate, Masters and Research degrees and provide legal education and training to over 3500 undergraduate and postgraduate students at any one time.

- Study with us

Studying a Law degree with Monash, your qualification will be internationally recognised as one of the world's best. We have a long established reputation as one of Australia's leading law schools and are a member of the prestigious Group of Eight universities, recognised globally for excellence in research, teaching and scholarship.

When you commence your Law degree with us, you commence your study of Law from day one. You can gain tangible, real legal experience in our two Clinical Legal Education Centres or undertake an international law program in Italy and Malaysia. Whatever your choice, a Law degree from Monash equips you with practical and transferable skills that you can take to your future career.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/intellectual-property-and-communications-law-l6003?domestic=true#making-the-application

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The Kent LLM (and associated Diploma programme) allows you to broaden and deepen your knowledge and understanding of law by specialising in one or more different areas.

This specialisation in Intellectual Property Law equips postgraduate students with the necessary in-depth knowledge to practise intellectual property law or work in creative industries. It also provides an excellent foundation for students who may wish to pursue a research degree in the field.

The specialisation provides students with a detailed insight into the dynamic and growing area of intellectual property law by taking a distinctively contextual approach: delineating its histories, materialisations and practices, as well as analysing their conceptual foundations and dilemmas.

The students will be introduced to critical, practical and socio-historical approaches to the framing and studying of intellectual property related problems. Such a contextual and critically informed approach to the study of intellectual property is unique in the UK and international postgraduate degree programmes. The modules are taught by distinguished academic specialists who cover a large and diverse range of subjects within the field.

Studying for a Master's in Law (LLM) at Kent means having the certainty of gaining an LLM in a specialist area of Law. The Kent LLM gives you the freedom to leave your choice of specialism open until after you arrive - your specialism being determined by the modules you choose.

Visit the website https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/1217/law-and-intellectual-property-law

About Kent Law School

Kent Law School (KLS) is the UK's leading critical law school. A cosmopolitan centre of world-class critical legal research, it offers a supportive and intellectually stimulating place to study postgraduate taught and research degrees.

In addition to learning the detail of the law, students at Kent are taught to think about the law with regard to its history, development and relationship with wider society. This approach allows students to fully understand the law. Our critical approach not only makes the study of law more interesting, it helps to develop crucial skills and abilities required for a career in legal practice.

The Law School offers its flagship Kent LLM at the University’s Canterbury campus (and two defined LLM programmes at the University’s Brussels campus). The KLS programmes enable you to gain expertise in a wide range of international and domestic subjects and to develop advanced, transferable research, writing and oral communication skills. All of our LLM and Diploma programmes allow you to broaden and deepen your understanding and knowledge of law.

Our programmes attract excellent law graduates from around the world and are also open to non-law graduates with an appropriate academic or professional background who wish to develop an advanced understanding of law in their field. You study within a close-knit, supportive and intellectually stimulating environment, working closely with academic staff. KLS uses critical research-led teaching throughout our programmes to ensure that you benefit from the Law School’s world-class research.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of this specialisation stream. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation and student demand. Most specialisation streams will require you to study a combination of subject specialisation modules and modules from other specialisation streams so that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas that interest you.

Intellectual Property 1: Copyright and Breach of Confidence

Intellectual Property 2: Patents and Trade Marks

Contemporary Topics in Intellectual Property Law

Intellectual Property and Industry Practices

World Trade Organisation (WTO) Law and Practice 1

Privacy and Data Protection Law

Law, Science and Society

Cultural Heritage Law

Economic Sociology of Law

Assessment

The postgraduate programmes offered within the Law School are usually taught in seminar format. Students on the Diploma and LLM programmes study three modules in each of the autumn and spring terms. The modules normally are assessed by a 4-5,000-word essay. Students undertaking an LLM degree must write a dissertation of 15-20,000 words.

Programme aims

This programme aims to provide:

1. LLM: The opportunity to develop (a) expert knowledge and a sophisticated understanding of particular areas of law; (b) advanced research, writing and oral communication skills of general value to postgraduate employment.
PDip: The opportunity to develop (a) expert knowledge and a sophisticated understanding of particular areas of law; (b) written and oral communication skills of general value to postgraduate employment.

2. LLM: A sound knowledge and systematic understanding of the institutional structures, key principles of law and policy and influential ideas, theories, assumptions and paradigms of particular areas of law.
PDip: A sound knowledge and systematic understanding of the institutional structures, key principles of law and policy and influential ideas, theories, assumptions and paradigms of the subjects studied.

3. LLM & PDip: A degree of specialisation in areas of law and policy chosen from the LLM option streams available and an opportunity for students to engage with academic work at the frontiers of scholarship.

4. LLM & PDip: A critical awareness of the operation of law and policy, particularly in contexts that are perceived to be controversial or in a state of evolution.

5. LLM: The skills to undertake supervised research on an agreed topic in their specialisation and to encourage the production of original, evaluative analysis that meets high standards of scholarship.

6. LLM & PDip: Critical, analytical and problem-solving skills that can be applied to a wide range of contexts.

7. LLM & PDip: The skills of academic legal research and writing.

8. LLM: A sophisticated grounding in research methods.

Careers

Employability is a key focus throughout the University and at Kent Law School you have the support of a dedicated Employability and Career Development Officer together with a broad choice of work placement opportunities, employability events and careers talks. Details of graduate internship schemes with NGOs, charities and other professional organisations are made available to postgraduate students via the School’s Employability Blog.

Law graduates have gone on to careers in finance, international commerce, government and law or have joined, or started, an NGO or charity.

Kent has an excellent record for postgraduate employment: over 96% of our postgraduate students who graduated in 2014 found a job or further study opportunity within six months.

Find out how to apply here - https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/

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Intellectual Property (IP) is a fast growing area of the law, requiring highly qualified multilingual specialists who can deal with IP rights across national borders. The new LLM International Studies in Intellectual Property Law course offers a specialised programme of study, which will enable you to meet the requirements of a future career in this area. The course covers copyright, trade mark and patent law, along with its European and international aspects, as well as legal questions associated with new technologies, multimedia and cyberspace.

This course is designed for law graduates, practising lawyers and business professionals from anywhere in the world who want to develop a specialist legal and commercial expertise in technology and IP law.

Course detail

You will study the most important components of international intellectual property law such as copyright, patents and trademarks and how these forms of intellectual property are protected in the digital age.

The course is therefore designed for law graduates, practising lawyers and business professionals from anywhere in the world who wish to develop a specialist legal and commercial expertise in intellectual property law and technology. In addition to specialised courses, they will also study international commercial law and other subjects, which will help put intellectual property into the context of modern international business relations.

Modules

• Intellectual Property in the Digital Economy
• Commercial Intellectual Property Law
• International Commercial Arbitration and Mediation
• International Commercial Law
• Research Methodology
• Dissertation.

Format

The course is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, small group sessions, practical experience and workshops. We teach two modules each week, over four hours of teaching time. In addition, students will complete a 15,000 word dissertation, which will be supported by a Research Methodology module.

Assessment

The taught modules adopt a standardised and consistent approach. In each of these modules, there will be a formative assessment, which will not count towards your final module mark. Following this, there will be two assessments – a piece of coursework of 3,000 words and an end of semester (pre-release) exam. Both will count towards your final mark. Normally, you will receive feedback within two weeks of submitting coursework and within three weeks of sitting exams.

Career and study progression

Our aim is to produce graduates who have employment prospects with multinational corporations, because they understand the legal regulations and constraints of international business, as well as the financial world of international trade agencies and multinational corporations.

You can seek employment opportunities in careers with investment, law, consultancy and accounting firms, especially those focusing on international practice. Practising legal professionals and human resource professionals can use their qualification and the skills and knowledge they have gained on the course to progress in their chosen field.

On completing this course successfully, you can choose to continue your studies with Ealing Law School and progress on to a PhD.

How to apply

Click the following link for information on how to apply to this course: http://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/postgraduate/how-apply

Scholarships and bursaries

Information about scholarships and bursaries can be found here: http://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/postgraduate/scholarships-and-bursaries

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Intellectual property law is a central part of an innovative and creative economy; it has now become central to government and international policy. There is a need for expertise in the field for lawyers, policy makers and others involved with developing a knowledge economy.

The LLM Intellectual Property Law aims to meet the needs of students, lawyers, policy makers and others who wish to study intellectual property law from an international and comparative perspective.

This programme provides an overview of current issues in specific areas of intellectual property law, both domestic, EU and international, with a critical evaluation of current and proposed regulation.

Distinctive features

The LLM Intellectual Property Law programme:

• Provides you with a general appreciation of current issues in specific areas of intellectual property law, domestic, EU and international

• Stimulates a critical approach to evaluation of current and proposed regulation and cultivates independent and original thought

• Enables you to undertake in-depth research and demonstrate advanced knowledge in specific areas of law.

The LLM Intellectual Property Law programme is very flexible and offers a wide range of modules providing you with the ability to customise the programme to meet your own professional and/or employment needs or interests.

Structure

The course can be completed in one year with full-time study and in two years by part-time study.

You must select at least two of your four taught modules and complete the dissertation in the area of Intellectual Property Law. You may also select up to two modules from those listed in any other LLM programme or from a combination of LLM programmes.

The programme is delivered in two stages. Stage one (the taught component) is taught over four semesters and comprises four 30 credit modules. Stage two comprises the dissertation.

For a list of modules for the FULL-TIME route, please see website:

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/intellectual-property-law-llm

For a list of the modules for the PART-TIME route, please see website:

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/intellectual-property-law-llm-part-time

Teaching

Study for an LLM is intensive and challenging and it is important that you take full advantage of the teaching that is provided in order to succeed. Attendance at classes and dissertation supervisions is compulsory and we will expect you to be well prepared.

Our teaching is very flexible and your modules may be delivered through seminars or a combination of lectures and seminars. Other teaching methods include the online use of discussion boards, self-access study packs and formative quizzes and activities.

Modules may be diverse in content to cater a high proportion of overseas students or students with previous qualifications other than in law. Modules are typically led by experienced staff actively engaged in research relevant to their subject area.

Assessment

We make use of both formative and summative assessment.

Formative assessments do not count towards your degree but are designed to give you the opportunity to practice for your summative assessments and enable you and your tutors to assess your progress in your modules. Formative assessments will normally involve written coursework or a class test or may comprise individual student presentations.

Summative assessments count towards your degree. Your marks in these assessments count towards your formal progression from stage one (taught modules) to stage two (the dissertation), and towards the determination of your final award. Summative assessments in stage one will vary by module but will typically involve written coursework (5,000 word essays), unseen examinations or pre-release examinations. The dissertation (up to 15,000 words) comprises the stage two summative assessment.

Career Prospects

A law degree doesn’t restrict graduates to careers within the legal profession and law graduates enter professions as diverse as finance, sales and marketing, digital communications and recruitment.

We are committed to extending extracurricular opportunities to our students, helping to enhance their CVs in a competitive graduate job market. We work in partnership with lawyers, charities and voluntary organisations to give students the opportunity to practise and extend their skills and we run several Pro Bono schemes and provide advice to members of the community on different legal issues.

Students successfully completing the LLM programme may have the opportunity to continue their legal study through the School’s PhD programme or through the Centre for Professional Legal Studies professional programmes (the Legal Practice Course or Bar Professional Training Course).

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Within the rapidly globalising environment of intellectual property and digital commerce, this programme provides you with a unique opportunity to specialise in this increasingly important area of law.

Why this programme

◾You will develop a critical understanding of a wide range of issues concerning the legal regulation of intellectual property and the digital economy.
◾You will benefit from access to and engagement with the Law School’s newly established £8M Research Centre for Copyright and New Business Models in the Creative Economy: CREATe.
◾CREATe is a pioneering academic initiative – led by the Law School at the University of Glasgow – designed to help the UK cultural and creative industries thrive and become innovation leaders within the global digital economy.
◾You will have the opportunity to apply for a summer internship at firms that specialise in intellectual property matters. At present, our strategic partners include: (i) Burness Paull & Williamsons, a top tier Scottish commercial law firm with extensive expertise in IP, IT and Information Law; and (ii) Cloch Solicitors, a boutique Scottish IP law firm.
◾You will benefit from our excellent facilities including the dedicated School of Law library; our main University library also contains our extensive collection of legal materials and official publications and is a European Documentation Centre.

Programme structure

You are required to take at least three courses from the following list (plus one other) and to submit a dissertation as falling within the area. Courses are delivered through a blend of lectures and seminar style teaching.

Courses
◾Contemporary issues in intellectual property
◾Copyright in the digital environment
◾CopyrightX: Glasgow
◾Design and patent law
◾European Union trade law
◾E-Commerce, rights management, and information
◾Intellectual property and the market
◾International and comparative intellectual property law
◾International and comparative moral rights
◾International competition law
◾Trade marks and brands.

Career prospects

The programme provides high-level training at the intersection of law and technology - an area of crucial importance to legal professionals everywhere. The emphasis on research will help you to develop excellent analytical and writing skills highly sought after by potential employers. Internship opportunities with leading global and local firms support the development of further skills. Career paths include roles in law firms, entertainment and media companies, international organisations, government and non-governmental organisations.

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