hi,

I am interested in doing Intellectual Property LLM programme in London.

Had three questions in this regard.

1. I believe you either need a Science or an engineering background for doing IP(esp. in Patent Law). Is there anyone in London doing a LLM in IP with a Non Science/engineering background i.e. a Commerce (B.Com and LL.B) background like me. Would appreciate if you could share your experience regarding doing IP LLM.

The general feedback is people with Commerce and finance background should practice in copyright and trademark(but not Patent) but I can't get a clear ans. as to whether people with Commerce background can do(or even if they are eligible to apply) for a LLM in IP or not?

2. Anyone in this forum doing a IP LLM from Brunel University? Choice in London for IP LLM seems to be either QM or Brunel( based in London so financially it would not be viable for me to go outside London to do my LLM).

3. Would it be tough to become a Patent attorney(Patent Attorney also, I believe, includes practising copyright and trademark) with a non science/engineering background?

An answer to the above query from forum members would be highly appreciated.

Many Thanks in advance.

1) You can study an LL.M in IP, or one which deals with IP and it's relation with Technology (such as by distance learning at The University of Edinburgh without having a sience or technology background. Contact your selected uni's to ask them, or check their admission criteria on their website.

2) Not me :) If you are dead set on London (which can be, for some, the most expensive place in the UK to study with regards living expenses) you could also look to LSE, who also (as well as QM) enjoy excellent international reputation, and may serve you well in the future.

3) Trademark Agents in the UK are registered by the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys:

"The role of a Trade Mark attorney

* Trade Mark Attorneys can carry out searches to see whether others are using your proposed mark
* Trade Mark Attorneys can advise on which classes of goods or services you need to cover with your registration
* Trade Mark Attorneys can advise in which countries to seek registration
* Trade Mark Attorneys can file applications worldwide as well as UK
*
Trade Mark Attorneys can file applications for Community Trade Marks from companies outside the EU

Minimum entrance to become a qualified Trade Mark Attorney are "are GCSE A, B or C Grade in five approved subjects and GCE A Level passes in two approved subjects or their equivalents."


Patent Agents are, as you pointed out already, required to have a science and engineering background.

The following text can be found on CIPA's website:

"So what qualifications does one need to have [to be a Patent Agent]?

To start with, all patent attorneys need a scientific or technical background. Nowadays, this usually means a science or engineering degree from a university or similar institution that confers eligibility for both UK and European qualifying examinations. A scientific training, however, is not enough. The would-be patent attorney must have the ability to acquire, and enjoy exercising, legal skills of drafting, analysis and logical thought, and, particularly the skill to use the English language aptly and accurately, in written work. In addition, because patents are increasingly international, a knowledge of at least French and German, although not essential, is highly desirable. Patent attorneys act at an exciting interface between disciplines of law, language and science.


So you have to be a scientist, a lawyer and a linguist?

Briefly, yes, though the degree of skill needed in each of these is not as great as that required in Fellows of the Royal Society, general lawyers or interpreters. You need to have a sound scientific background in order to be able to understand technical developments and reduce them to writing which is clear and unambiguous. You need to have a detailed knowledge of intellectual property law but not, for example, of family or maritime law, and you need to have a tolerable reading knowledge of French and German rather than fluency in speaking either. "

http://www.llm-guide.com/board/10981
Hi Colin ,
I posted this on the board and there is absolutlely very negligible resonse. When you are looking at the other matters please do look into this dimension too.
This is with regard to "After LLM -- what?!" -- ofcourse in my case I will want to enrol for Doctoral but I would like to know the scenario.
Thanks
pappu

Folks sorry for the inconvenience and apparent irrelevance of the previous message ,
Was meant to be a personal missive to colin. Kindly disregard it -- sorry once again