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The MSc Intellectual Property is designed for those wishing to specialise in intellectual property law, specifically for those wishing to become a patent or trade mark attorney. The programme is taught by lecturers from both academia and practice. Students receive a profound education covering the core IP disciplines – patent, trade mark, and design and copyright law – with a focus on UK law but including a strong European and international perspective.

The programme is accredited by the Intellectual Property Regulation Board.

• Study at a top UK law school
• Gain professional accreditation from the Intellectual Property Regulation Board
• Be a part of Queen Mary Intellectual Property Research Institute (QMIPRI), which runs regular research discussions, seminars and annual events
• Get taught by internationally recognised academics and practitioners who are advisers to international organisations such as the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the European Patent Office (EPO), the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and the European Commission
• Dedicated law careers advisers who organise events and internship opportunities with top UK and international law firms
• Opportunity to gain a 12-month paid traineeship at the EUIPO or EPO under the Pan-European Seal Professional Traineeship programme
• A full-time programme, which runs for two semesters from first week September to late-March (with the assessment/examination period in January, May and August).
• A compulsory research component (study project), which will run in the third semester between May and August.

What you'll study

Intellectual Property Law is an interdisciplinary field. This MSc explores the foundations of intellectual property law with relation to patents, trade marks, designs, copyright and more under domestic law as well as under international and European laws.

The core modules cover the basic elements of each of the most relevant IP rights (patents, trade marks, designs, copyright), such as how rights are obtained, how they are infringed, defended and/or licensed. You will acquire knowledge with regard to preconditions for protection, the scope of exclusive rights, and specific exceptions and defences to infringement. Each module will also introduce you to the international and European legal framework governing specific rights, for example as regards international conventions (such as the European Patent Convention) or EU trade mark and design rights. In addition, the programme features a unique module introducing you to the IP system in the United States.

You will acquire practical insight into the commercial aspects and day-to-day business of being a patent and trade mark attorney or litigator, while developing a strong understanding of the academic knowledge needed to apply the law.

Youll also have the opportunity to gain foundation level accreditation with the Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg), Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) and the Chartered Institute of Trademark Attorneys (CITMA).

Youll gain an advanced and in-depth knowledge of intellectual property law and management with regard to all aspects of business and legal practice.

Career paths

There is a very high rate of employment of our students within six months of graduation We have specialist career advisers who organise events and assist with finding internship opportunities at UK and international law firms and other employers.