Certificate in Intellectual Property Litigation
About this course
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.
What you’ll study
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.
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)
Module Four: Intellectual Property Advocacy
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.
Further information on what you'll study
Please be aware that all optional/elective modules are subject to availability, and NTU reserves the right to amend, change or withdraw modules at its discretion.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
How you're taught
Assessment methods:
- Written Paper in Intellectual Property Litigation (three hours) for the Certificate in IP Litigation (5 June 2026)
- Oral Advocacy Assessment for the Certificate in IP Advocacy (13 June 2026)
Course dates:
| Module | Date |
|---|---|
| Module 1 | 20 – 22 November 2025 |
| Module 2 | 12 – 14 February 2026 |
| Module 3 | 23 – 25 April 2026 |
| Module 4 | 10 – 13 June 2026 |
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?
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.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
What are we looking for?
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.
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
| Start dates | Course fees |
|---|---|
| November 2025 | £8,300 |
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
| Start dates | Course fees |
|---|---|
| November 2025 | £8,300 |
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!
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
Contact our NTU Admissions Team.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 4200
Complete our Ask NTU form
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.
Applying to NTU
For advice on how to make an application to the University, please visit our see our application 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
Contact our NTU Admissions Team.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 4200
Complete our Ask NTU form
