6 months, one afternoon per week.
Programme description
Our Intellectual Property Law Postgraduate Certificate will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the theoretical, practical and management aspects of intellectual property. Designed for trainee patent attorneys and others working within, or embarking on, a career in intellectual property law, practice and administration, our programme is suitable for both law graduates and graduates from the sciences, technology, engineering or business. No prior legal knowledge is required, as you will be introduced to essential legal principles as the course progresses.
Programme outline
The programme gives you the opportunity to explore the four core Intellectual Property disciplines: Patents, Copyright, Trade Marks and Industrial Design; providing detailed insight into the interface between the law, technology, arts and commercial branding. The course has four modules; two modules in each term and are assessed independently by written examination or coursework:
- Trade Marks and Allied Rights
- Patent Law and Practice
- Copyright, Designs and Allied Rights
- Managing Intellectual Property
Accreditation
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 preparing to train as Patent Attorneys will receive full exemption from all Foundation Level Papers (P1, P5, P7, D&C, Law) set by the Patent Examination Board and the Institute of Patent Attorneys.
Career prospects
Graduates will have the skills to pursue a career in the area of intellectual property as lawyers (in-house or independent), patent or trade mark attorneys, IP portfolio managers, patent examiners and IP paralegals. The course may also benefit those who deal with intellectual property matters on a regular basis within industry/business. Please note that successful completion of the course does not automatically lead to a position as a trainee patent attorney/lawyer.