Intellectual Property Litigation and Advocacy Certificate
- Level(s) of Study: Practitioner / Professional
- Start Date(s): November 2023
- Duration: 8 months covering IP Litigation and IP Advocacy*
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Applications must be received by Friday 1 September 2023 for November 2023 entry.
Nottingham Law School offers Certificates in IP Litigation and IP Advocacy enabling practitioners to obtain The Higher Courts Litigation Certificate issued by the Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg) granting the holder rights to litigate intellectual property matters before the civil courts of England and Wales.
This is an Advanced Litigation Skills Course for registered Patent Attorneys and registered Trade Mark Attorneys (see bullet point 2 below) and should not be confused with the Basic Litigation Skills Course required to be completed by all Patent Attorneys and Trade Mark Attorneys registered after 31.12.12. (see bullet point 1 below).
Intellectual Property Regulation Board Litigation Rights:
- To litigate or act as advocate before the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court or a County Court, or to appeal from the IPO to the High Court, Patent Attorneys and Trade Mark Attorneys need an “Intellectual Property Litigation Certificate”. This certificate is issued by IPReg. Nottingham Law School provides a course for those wishing to have these rights.
- To litigate in intellectual property matters before other civil courts of England and Wales, Patent Attorneys and Trade Mark Attorneys need a “Higher Courts Litigation Certificate”. This certificate is issued by IPReg. Nottingham Law School provides a course for those wishing to have these rights.
- To act as advocate in intellectual property matters before other civil courts, Patent Attorneys and Trade Mark Attorneys need a “Higher Courts Advocacy Certificate”. The Higher Courts Litigation Certificate is granted by IPReg following successful completion of the two NLS Certificates in IP Litigation and Certificate in IP Advocacy. It permits the holder to exercise IP litigation and IP advocacy rights before the IPEC and conduct some litigation and appeals in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
It should be noted that although the certificates include advocacy, successful completion of the two certificates will not entitle Patent Attorneys and Trade Mark Attorneys to apply to IPReg for The Higher Courts Advocacy Certificate. This certificate is awarded by IPReg following successful completion of a further course dedicated to the teaching and practice of advocacy skills at the highest level. It is parallel to the Higher Rights of Audience Solicitors’ qualification.
The IP Litigation and IP Advocacy courses are operated under the aegis of the Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg). The content of the skills and substantive subjects is prescribed by written outcomes drafted by Nottingham Law School and approved and accredited by IPReg. The tuition, together with the form and content of the assessment regime, is monitored rigorously by internal and external examiners.
The IP Litigation and the IP Advocacy courses, are designed for:
- Patent Attorneys and Trade Mark Attorneys who have at least two years’ post qualification practitioner experience in intellectual property.
- enabling students to apply their knowledge and skills to their own professional practice
- continuing professional education.
The courses are delivered to suit busy schedules and minimise time spent away from the office. The courses will enhance:
- case analysis skills;
- drafting skills;
- knowledge of the law of evidence and related practice;
- students’ management of litigation procedure in the civil courts;
- students’ experience of alternative methods of dispute resolution;
- and develop high-level skills of reflection.
*The courses are accredited by the Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg). Successful completion of the two courses, which are assessed by way of written examination and oral advocacy, will entitle candidates to apply for registration with IPReg for the Higher Courts Litigation Certificate.
What you’ll study
Module one: Case Analysis and Case Theory, Drafting and Case Preparation
The following topics will be covered:
- case analysis and case theory
- drafting statements of case
- client interviewing and management
- evidence
- disclosure
- legal professional privilege and IP
- professional conduct for IP litigators.
Module two: Project and Case Management, Funding and Costing and Interim Applications
The following will be covered:
- project management in IP litigation
- cost and risk analysis
- case management and work schedules
- case management conferences
- part 36 and offers
- interim applications / injunctions / disclosure
- drafting skeleton arguments.
Module three: ADR, Witness Evidence, Trial Preparation, Risk Analysis and Settlement
The following topics will be covered:
- comparison and selection of ADR options
- opportunity to take part in a mock mediation
- techniques for interviewing witnesses
- drafting witness statements
- preparation for trial
- risk analysis in litigation
- settlement and appeals (including drafting settlement agreements)
The following topics will be covered:
- case preparation for the advocate
- opening statements
- witness examination (chief/cross/re-examination)
- legal and evidential submissions
- closing speeches
- mock trial.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re taught
Assessment methods:
- Written Paper in Intellectual Property Litigation (three hours) for the Certificate in IP Litigation
- Oral Advocacy Assessment for the Certificate in IP Advocacy
Course dates
Module | Dates |
---|---|
Module 1 | 23-25 November 2023 |
Module 2 | 15-17 February 2024 |
Module 3 | 25-27 April 2024 |
Module 4 | 12-14 June 2024 (Wednesday to Friday) |
Assessment dates
Assessment | Dates |
---|---|
Written paper | Thursday 30 May 2024 (provisional) |
Advocacy | Saturday 15 June 2024 (provisional) |
Careers and employability
These courses provide professional training for Trade Mark Attorneys, Patent Attorneys and other professionals working in the field of Intellectual Property Law.
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- At least two years' experience in intellectual property practice.
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
What are we looking for?
- At least two years' experience in intellectual property practice.
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
English language entry requirements
If English is not your first language you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. We usually ask for an IELTS test and we accept some alternative English language tests.
For a list of our language requirements please visit our English language page.
If you need to do a pre-sessional English language course to meet the English requirements please visit our pre-sessional English course page.
Help and support
If you have any questions about your qualifications or about making an application to the University please contact our international team for advice.
Fees and funding
Course | Start dates | Course fees |
---|---|---|
IP Litigation course | November 2023 | £4,800 |
IP Advocacy course | June 2024 | £3,200 |
Career Development loans may be available. For further information please visit the Gov.uk website.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Course | Start dates | Course fees |
---|---|---|
IP Litigation course | November 2023 | £4,800 |
IP Advocacy course | June 2024 | £3,200 |
Career Development loans may be available. For further information please visit the Gov.uk website.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
How to apply
Ready to join us? Just click the Apply button at the top of this page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you have checked the entry requirements above carefully before you start!
Please note that each course is applied for separately. If you wish to take both courses you will need to submit two applications.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
You will find information and advice about applying to NTU on our postgraduates’ guidance pages.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team, call +44 (0)115 848 4200, or email the course leader.
Decided on this course? Click the Apply button at the top of this page now. We advise you to start applying as early as you can so that you have time to prepare for your studies. If you need a visa to study here you need to plan this into your application.
Please note that each course is applied for separately. If you wish to take both courses you will need to submit two applications.
Applying to NTU
For advice on how to make an application to the University, please visit our see our applying guidelines for international students. You should also check out how to write a good personal statement.
Stressing over your student visa application? Visit our visa information page now.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team, call +44 (0)115 848 4200, or email the course leader.