Overview of Programmes

The tensions between rewarding intellectual development, on the one hand, and incentivising further developments, on the other, are most acute in the context of technological advance. And such issues arise in the context of information technology (IT) law more generally, where the rapid emergence of new technologies raises questions of how, if at all, the law should respond to, regulate, and promote, such developments.

On the LL.M in Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law, you will take modules in which you will study the inter-relationships between law, science and technology. These modules cover the substantive, policy, and practical elements of IP and IT law within European and International contexts. This programme provides graduates with the knowledge and tools to meet the demands of our sophisticated knowledge economy.

Pan-European Seal’ Professional Traineeship Program

The School of Law at Trinity College Dublin is a strategic partner of the ‘Pan-European Seal’ Professional Traineeship Program, having signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO) in October 2016. Students enrolled in the LL.M. (Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law) have the opportunity to apply for these paid traineeships annually. Since becoming a partner, a number of LL.M students have taken part in this traineeship programme and put the knowledge acquired during their studies into practice in this highly-esteemed professional and multi-cultural environment.

Programme Structure

The LL.M. (Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law) degree is taught over a period of one academic year, commencing in September. The year is divided into two semesters during each of which students are required to take three modules. Each module is offered in one semester only and involves 22 hours of classwork. Various forms of assessment are utilized in the different modules. Where modules are assessed by way of examination, as the examinations are scheduled at the end of each semester, in December and April/May. Students may be required to take Reassessment examinations in August/September. In addition, all students must complete a research dissertation over the academic year on an approved theme that relates to their LL.M degree. These dissertations must be submitted on or before end of June.

In addition to a mandatory research dissertation, students will study three modules per semester, choosing from an extensive and diverse range of modules, each worth 10 ECTS. At least two modules must be chosen from the list of Section A modules set out below. The remaining two modules may be chosen from either Section A or Section B modules. Section A modules are directly linked to your LLM degree. Section B modules are not related to your degree but may still be of interest to you.

A comprehensive list of Section A and Section B LL.M modules currently on offer is available here

*The Law School reserves the right to vary the following list and, in particular, the right to withdraw and add modules. Note that timetabling considerations may also restrict choice.

**Where a module is highly subscribed and/or becomes full, priority will be given to students enrolled in the related LL.M programme (where the module is listed as ‘Section A’).

Programme Outcomes

Having successfully completed this programme, students should be able to:

• Identify, evaluate and synthesise jurisprudential theories and concepts as they apply to intellectual property and information technology law at a level appropriate to masters graduates;
• Use appropriate legal theories, doctrines and concepts to identify, formulate, analyse and solve legal problems within national and international contexts;
• Critically analyse the interplay between law and social change in a variety of different contexts as they pertain to international and domestic intellectual property and information technology law;
• Conduct effective and targeted research in case law, legislation and academic legal commentary in areas pertaining to intellectual property and information technology law at both national and international levels at a level appropriate to masters graduates;
• Discuss and debate different perspectives on legal problems, theories and doctrines in the area of intellectual property and information technology law;
• Communicate effectively in oral and written modes in professional and academic settings and work effectively in multi-disciplinary settings;
• Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability and independence in order to engage productively with a changing, commercial and technological environment; and
• Have the capacity to engage in life-long learning, including vocational training for the legal profession.

IP Careers (External Information)

IP Careers is published in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) as well as with leading industry experts, and provides both high quality, structured careers information and details on the latest jobs for those interested in a career within Intellectual Property. For further information, please visit their external website here

For a downloadable version of their Chartered Patent Attorneys 2021/22 guide, please visit here