International Intellectual Property Law LLM

The course aims to enable understudies to: Critically evaluate the main rules, principles and policies operating in the relevant areas of intellectual property law and set these in their appropriate context.

Critically evaluate the main criticisms and proposals for the reform of the law which have been made in relation to these rules, principles and policies

Identify and critically analyse the relevant legislation and case law governing the law of copyright, patents and trademarks, design law, performers' rights and related rights.

Demonstrate an in depth advanced understanding of the problems posed by developing technologies in this area such as the use of the internet and be aware of international, European and UK proposals to address any problems for the creative industries created by these developments.

Critically demonstrate an in depth, advanced understanding and knowledge of the role of the law of copyright, patents and trade marks in this area.

Demonstrate an in depth and advanced knowledge and understanding of the application of the law to complex problems relating to the creative industries.

Critically evaluate and analyse the law relating to copyright, patents and trade marks, design law, performers' rights and related rights and where necessary draw on related economic, social, comparative and empirical research.

Formulate, investigate and refine suggestions for the development and/or reform of the existing law

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.

We accept applications from graduates of LLB (Single and Joint Honours) and related subjects such as Accountancy, Finance, Banking and Management Studies, Politics, International Relations and the Social Sciences. For LLB graduates and those with a related degree, we normally require a minimum of a 2(ii) degree from an approved University. Applications with degrees in unrelated disciplines will be considered on a case by case basis for students with degrees in other subjects. Alternatively, possession of a suitable professional qualification or relevant practical experience may be...