About the course
We are currently awaiting information from the regulatory body about proposed changes to professional training in the field of Intellectual Property Litigation. We will be able to tailor our current courses to meet any new requirements. Until the changes are confirmed we would ask you to register your interest in the LLM /PG Cert by contacting the Programme Leader, Dyanne Hughes, who will keep you informed of progress of these proposals and the likely start dates and content of our courses.
The Nottingham Law School LLM in Intellectual Property Litigation, a unique course built on the foundation of the other successful practice masters courses:
- is designed specifically for experienced intellectual property practitioners
- is approved by CIPA that in combination with the Nottingham Law School Postgraduate Certificate satisfies the academic requirements for qualification as a patent litigator
- is delivered in a way that suits busy schedules and minimises the time spent away from the office
- continually allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to their own practice
- provides continuing professional education
- culminates in the award of a Masters degree.
Those who practice in the field of intellectual property face the traditional pressures of heavy caseloads, the complexity of cases and the need to keep up to date with new developments, legislation and case law in the UK, Europe and internationally. Nottingham Law School offers an LLM in Intellectual Property which can enable practitioners to meet these challenges. Designed for those who have at least two years experience in intellectual property litigation, the course builds upon students' existing knowledge and experience. The course will:
- Develop high-level skills of reflection.
- Enhance case analysis abilities.
- Enable students to manage the litigation process.
- For those who are not litigators, it can provide knowledge and experience of the litigation process, in order to inform students' non-contentious work.
- Increase knowledge of alternative methods for resolving disputes.
- Identify effective practice in other jurisdictions.
The LLM in Intellectual Property is structured to minimise the time spent away from the office and is taught by a mix of assignments and attendance. It can be combined with the Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Litigation to satisfy the academic requirements to seek a Litigator Certificate from the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys.
Study routes
Part-time over two years. The course is built around intensive study weekends (six in total), allowing work to be completed at a time that is convenient to the student.
The Litigator Certificate
To satisfy the academic requirements for the Litigator Certificate, students must be awarded the LLM in Intellectual Property Litigation and the Postgraduate Certificate. The courses have been designed so that they may be studied simultaneously or one at a time. The programme has been approved by CIPA and satisfies the requirements of the CIPA Higher Courts Qualification Regulations. There are also additional eligibility and experience requirements for the qualification and students are advised to contact CIPA by telephone on: +44 (0)207 4059450 for further information.
Contact details
Telephone: +44(0)115 848 4460
Email
Nottingham Law School website
Please note the following information for applicants
Course content
The course will be structured around intellectual property case studies.
Module one: Case Analysis and Dealing with Potential Litigation
The following topics will be covered:
- case analysis
- effective teams
- media
- opening statements
- drafting.
Module two: Interim Applications, Negotiation and Litigation Management
The following will be covered:
- interim applications
- negotiation
- case management and work schedules
- questioning techniques in interviewing witnesses
- witness statement drafting.
Module three: Preparation and Conduct of Trial
The following topics will be covered:
- witness techniques
- techniques for addressing the court
- disclosure (UK)
- preparation for trial
- conduct of a trial.
Module four: Managing Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
The following will be covered:
- managing litigation
- alternative dispute
- resolution
- mediation
- negotiation strategy
- international dimensions.
Module five: Pre-emptive Remedies and Experts
The following will be covered:
- pre-emptive remedies
- experts - confusion, passing off, use of surveys
- linking advanced case analysis and strategies for pre-emptive remedies.
Module six: Dispute Resolution Outside the UK Jurisdiction
The following will be covered:
- jurisdiction
- arbitration
- European litigation
- forum shopping
- conflicts of law
- disclosure outside the UK.
Assessment
There are no written examinations for the LLM in Intellectual Property Litigation, with assessments being designed to be directly relevant to professional practice. A major element of the assessment is focused on reflection, as Nottingham Law School believes that it is important for students to develop the skills required for independent, lifelong learning and continuous professional development.
The following assessment methods will be used.
- Extended piece of work proposal: Students are required to complete an extended work based project, with the first stage being to submit a proposal for assessment. Guidance is provided at all stages of the project, with students being allocated a supervisor who will advise on scoping, structuring, research, analysis and writing of the project.
- Extended piece of work: The completed work based project is submitted after the final residential "weekend".
- Learning portfolio: Students maintain a diary throughout the course. This is a personal record of reflection about the skills taught on each module and their application to the student’s practice.
- Reflective report: Submitted at the end of each year, this report draws together reflective thoughts from the Learning Portfolio.
- Post-module assignments: Students will be required to complete post-module assignments, for example drafting a witness statement.
The 2009 / 2010 programme is shown below for guidance.
Year One
- Weekend one - 17–20 September 2009
- Weekend two - 14–17 January 2010
- Weekend three - 13-16 May 2010
Year Two
- Weekend four - 16-19 September 2010
- Weekend five - 2–5 December 2010
- Weekend six - 3-6 March 2011
There is currently no careers information available for this course.
Placements are not part of this course.
Download this application form
and return it, completed, to the Admissions Team.
