Program Overview
The University of Leeds' Intellectual Property Law LLM delves into the legal, managerial, and policy aspects of intellectual property rights, including patents, copyright, and trademarks. It offers international and comparative perspectives while addressing emerging areas such as the digital economy and biotechnology. Students explore the social and economic implications of intellectual property, preparing them for careers in the legal professions, knowledge-intensive industries, and organizations dedicated to protecting these rights.
Program Outline
It provides both international and comparative perspectives, covering traditional intellectual property issues such as industrial property, artistic works, and brands, as well as emerging areas of policy including the digital economy and biotechnology. The course reflects the growing importance of international developments in intellectual property and confronts growing controversies. These include the relationships between intellectual property and human rights norms, access to knowledge, new technologies, and economic development. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to:
- Explore the international norms and institutions relating to intellectual property, such as the World Trade Organisation’s TRIPS Agreement.
- Consider the wider social and economic implications of intellectual property for health, culture, education, technology, innovation, and economic development.
Outline:
Course Structure:
- Year 1 Compulsory Modules:
- Postgraduate Legal Research Skills (15 Credits): This module equips students with the necessary research skills for postgraduate study.
- Trade Marks, Geographical Indications, Designs and Trade Secrets (15 Credits): This module examines the key principles, rules, and court decisions concerning trademarks, geographical indications, designs, and trade secrets.
- Patent Law (15 Credits): This module delves into the key principles and features of patent law, exploring relevant cases and legal jurisdictions.
- Copyright Law (15 Credits): This module focuses on the key principles and features of copyright law, examining relevant cases and legal jurisdictions.
- Dissertation (60 Credits): Students undertake an independent research project on a chosen topic within intellectual property law.
- Year 1 Optional Modules (Selection of Typical Options):
- Intercultural Business and Organisational Communication (15 Credits): This module explores communication in a global business context.
- Cyberlaw: Regulation of Cyberspace (15 Credits): This module examines legal issues related to the internet and cyberspace.
- International Competition Law (15 Credits): This module explores the principles and application of international competition law.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (15 Credits): This module examines the concept and practice of corporate social responsibility.
- International Tax Law and Policy (30 Credits): This module explores the principles and policies of international tax law.
- World Trade Organisation Law (15 Credits): This module examines the legal framework of the World Trade Organisation.
- Intellectual Property Management (15 Credits): This module explores the practical aspects of managing intellectual property rights.
- Digital Environment: Law, Technologies & Human Rights (15 Credits): This module examines the intersection of law, technology, and human rights in the digital environment.
- Contemporary Issues in Intellectual Property: Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Expressions (15 Credits): This module explores contemporary issues in intellectual property related to genetic resources, traditional knowledge, and cultural expressions.
- Contemporary Issues in Intellectual Property: Health, Food and Biotechnology (15 Credits): This module explores contemporary issues in intellectual property related to health, food, and biotechnology.
- Dissertation: Assessed through a written piece of work of up to 10,000 words.
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: A variety of teaching and learning methods are employed, including weekly seminars, lectures, online learning, and workshops.
- Faculty: Students are taught by expert academics, including lecturers, professors, industry professionals with years of experience, and trained postgraduate researchers.
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths:
- Legal professions
- Knowledge-intensive commercial sectors (technology and creative industries)
- Representative organisations for technology and creative industries
- Academia
- Law firms
- Charities
- Intellectual property specialists
- Government services
- Intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations
- Career Support:
- The School of Law offers career and personal development support through dedicated Employability Officers.
- One-to-one appointments with Employability Officers are available throughout the year.
- The School arranges community engagement (pro bono) and work experience opportunities, career development workshops, guest speaker events, and careers fairs.
Other:
- Research Insight: Students benefit from the expertise of leading academics in a stimulating research environment. The University's research groups include:
- Centre for Innovation and Research in Legal Education (CIRLE)
- Centre for Business Law and Practice (CBLP)
- Centre for Criminal Justice Studies (CCJS)
- Centre for Law & Social Justice (LSJ)
- School-based Skills Team: The School-based Skills Team provides individual skills development advice for module assessments, dissertations, and wider studies. They also offer workshops on critical thinking, researching, planning, time management, and editing.
UK fees:
£13,000 (Total)
International fees:
£26,500 (Total)
University of Leeds
Overview:
The University of Leeds is a public research university located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It is a large and prestigious institution with a strong reputation for academic excellence and a vibrant campus life.
Academic Programs:
The University of Leeds offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties, including:
- Arts, Humanities and Cultures
- Biological Sciences
- Business School
- Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Environment
- Medicine and Health
- Social Sciences
Entry Requirements:
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in law. Applicants with good degrees in other subjects will be considered. We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.