Hi All,

I have passed my LL.B. and desire to do LLM in Intellectual Property. I am confused as to what would be a better option for LLM - India or UK? What would be the best options available in India for LLM in IP? Please suggest.

Thanks,

Sonali

Hey!

First let me talk about IP in India - If you want to be a patent agent or something similar in India, statutorily it is required to possess a science degree (graduate or engineering). If you leave that aside, all the good core IP jobs require you to be from a science background. Infact, there is a heavy demand for highly qualified people in this background. But , having said that you should understand that it is a very limited area and in India, a general legal practice will carry you forward much better. When you limit yourself to one field, the opportunities also similarly become less.

Still, if you are interested in pursuing IP LLM I would personally strongly advise against an Indian LLM. It doesnt add much credential (even if you get top marks). A foreign LLM (US or UK) would be much preferable. There are many highly reputed programs available in these countries with options of scholarship. Also, the kind of exposure, network and opportunities you can get from a foreign LLM is incomaparable.

If you plan to come back to India for employment, I would suggest you a very reputed IP program in Munich. It has high standards of admission, but if you do get in, it is worth the year you spend there.

But, before you decide anything, I suggest you do some self introspection. Generally, I have seen (among my friends as well as other law students) that IP is somehow always their favourite, but very few actually end up doing it. It is different when you are choosing between civil, criminal and corporate. All of them have their own huge distinction and market. But whereas IP is a very niche market and difficult as well to get in. I sincerely suggest you do an LLM from a foreign university with an IP concentration if you want, but continue to work on general corporate, with a special interst in IP.

All the best!

thanks a lot for your suggestion. This would help a lot!!!