University of Liège - Liege Competition and Innovation Institute

The market for Competition and Intellectual Property (IP) lawyers is booming. In 2004, the University of Liège created an Advanced Master programme (LL.M.) in European Competition and IP law to bridge the gap between general legal studies and the ever-increasing demand for specialist legal professionals.

THE LLM SPIRIT

In just a few years, competition and IP laws have become central to business and public decision making. The advent of the new economy, with the rise of the internet of things, 3D printers, robotics and genetics, has led to an ever-increasing surge of IP applications and litigations, while the regulatory nature of competition law ensures that it will continue play a fundamental role in the push for growth and economic development.

Tailored to the needs of the profession, the LL.M in European Competition and IP law provides practical training so that elite students are prepared for immediate entry into a demanding, international workforce as lawyers, managers, public decision makers and other leadership functions.

In addition to a comprehensive teaching programme, offering multi-disciplinary training, the LL.M. provides students with a wide-range of skills and assistance (e.g., drafting their CV, securing internships and publishing their work). Furthermore, the LL.M in EU Law offers students the possibility to replace the writing of a thesis by an internship in an institution, company or law firm specialized in competition or intellectual property law.

Thanks to its proximity to Brussels and the European Institutions, our exclusive courses boast a team of eminent practitioners and academics in the field, in order to guarantee an in-depth and intense learning experience. Reflecting our concern for an international teaching approach, lectures are in both French and English.

In Brussels and throughout Europe, our alumni provide expert advice in the fields of intellectual property, competition and business law. Our previous students now hold positions as specialized lawyers, officials of national and European competition authorities, IP and regulatory authorities, specialist consultants and researchers.

WHY STUDY EU COMPETITION AND IP LAW AT LIEGE?

The LL.M. in EU Competition and IP law offers:

• A cutting-edge courses in IP and competition law, taught by international specialists and leading practitioners;
• A seminar-sized group of students;
• Interactive lectures, based on reading assignments, comments and discussion;
• A complete choice of conferences and workshops focusing on hot legal topics;
• Opportunities for summer placement in law firms;
• Networking opportunities with many legal professionals;
• Possibilities for students to author case notes in the online law journal e-Competitions (www.concurrences.com);
• Distance learning is available on special request, depending on the number of students enrolled (for more info, please contact Caroline Langevin).

Each year, the LCII organizes several conferences on European, Competition or IP law issues, to which the LL.M. students are closely associated. Those events provide our students with the opportunity to network socialize with IP and competition professionals.

The LCII has established a partnership with the online journal e-Competitions. Under this partnership, LL.M. students are offered the opportunity to co-author case notes on Belgian competition law cases, which are subsequently published in an international online law journal.

Various meetings and seminars are organized during the academic year to help students im­prove their professional skills (CV and cover let­ters drafting, interview techniques, etc.) and to introduce themselves to legal practitioners. Last but not least, opportunities for summer place­ments in law firms and institutions are regularly offered.

In addition to these events, our alumni data-base is a key asset for graduating students, who benefit from a useful network of contacts, at the very beginning of their career.

Many of our former students now hold positions in prestigious law firms, companies and public institutions.

WHAT RECRUITERS SAY ABOUT US

“ALTIUS has welcomed several of ULg’s students having followed the LL.M. in EU Competition & IP law over the last few years, either as summer interns or as Associates. We have always been very pleased with the level of legal knowledge of these students, their communication skills and their team spirit.  We would definitely welcome further applications from ULg students in the future.”

Olivier VRINS | Partner, Altius

“The LL.M. in IP law is undoubtedly amongst the best educational programmes in the field. The excellent comprehension of law acquired during the LLM formation makes LLM alumni keen interlocutors, ready to help delivering tailor-made solutions to clients.”

Catherine SMITS | Partner, Koan Lorenz

“The education delivered in the framework of the LLM in EU Competition and IP law goes beyond the concepts and trains its students to understand thorny, legal issues. Former LCII students manifestly exhibit the capacity for relevant analysis and synthesis of the most demanding cases.”

Christian DEKONINCK | Partner, Crowell & Moring

“Recruits from the LL.M. in EU Competition and IP law commonly exhibit excellent legal capacities. The high quality of the education programme allows former LLM students to quickly deliver effective support in the management of legal matters.”

Bruno VANDERMEULEN | Partner, Bird & Bird LLP

“Both during my previous experience as a lawyer at Altius and since launching our IP boutique firm FENCER in 2020, we have always looked forward to working with the students from the LLM in Liège. The course offers a fine combination of IP and competition related topics that have proven to be a solid basis for whatever working experience one is looking for in the field. For lawyers in particular, my colleague Paul Maeyaert and professor in European Trademark law in Liège, has coached several LL.M. students during their traineeship at the Brussels bar. All of them became skillful lawyers or in-house counsel and some of them are still working with our firm. During an internship at our office in Brussels we offer the possibility to the students to combine the theory of the IP courses at the university with the practice of IP litigation in the real world.”

Jeroen MUYLDERMANS | Partner, Fencer

The city of Liege is located in the heart of Europe. It has a state of the art railway station and offers a high speed rail network linking the city to Europe - Brussels (90km), Antwerp (120km), Cologne (120km), Luxembourg (140km), Amsterdam (340km), Paris (380km) and London (430km) while Maastricht is only a stone throw away.

Founded in the 19th century, the University of Liège (ULiege) is one of the largest universities in Belgium with approximately 18.000 students and 2.800 researchers and scholars.

The university campus is located in the outskirts of the city. Getting to the city centre is simple: regular public buses travel to and from the city centre in approximately 15 minutes.

Close to the city centre yet in a peaceful environment, the campus provides ideal surroundings for academic achievement.

The LL.M. in European Competition and IP law is organized under the auspices of the Liege Competition and Innovation Institute (LCII), an interdisciplinary (law & economics) research center dedicated to the study of innovation and competition. The LCII is part of the EU Legal Studies Institute, the interdisciplinary research centre studying European law at Liege since 1963.

The LCII was previously chaired by, and has hosted, many renowned EU law specialists (F. Dehousse, P. Demaret, R. Joliet, P. Pescatore, S. Van Raepenbusch and M. Wathelet). Five of its former professors and members have been appointed Judges of the European Court of Justice.

The EU Legal Studies Institute is composed of 17 professors and lecturers, 1 postdoctoral researcher, 15 research associates and 14 Ph.D candidates or research and teaching assistant. The Institute currently hosts the ERC Starting Grant EUDAIMONIA, devoted to the study of national institutional autonomy within the EU legal order (under the supervision of Pieter Van Cleynenbreugel), and the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence JUST-AI, that strives to become a Belgian and European hub of excellence on issues pertaining to procedural fairness in the field of artificial intelligence (under the supervision of Ljupcho Grozdanovski). These two research projects enrich the teaching provided as part of the LL.M.

The Faculty of Law of University of Liège has always had a stellar for European law. Over the years, no less than five professors of the Faculty of Law have been appointed as Judges to the European Court of Justice:

• Pierre PESCATORE;
• René JOLIET;
• Melchior WATHELET;
• Franklin DEHOUSSE; and
• Sean VAN RAEPENBUSCH.

The LL.M. faculty is composed of internationally renown experts in the field of competition and IP law. In order to guarantee that the training offered to our students is practice-oriented, most of the professors have a practical experience, acquired in prestigious law firms, companies or public institutions.

The LL.M. faculty is also a true international team, characterized by the plurality of origins and backgrounds of its members, who come from various countries such as Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada and the United-States.

The LL.M. faculty is composed of teachers such as:

• Dave ANDERSON (Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner);
• Dirk AUER (International Center for Law & Economics; ULiege)
• Jean-François BELLIS (Van Bael & Bellis; ULiege)
• Mireille BUYDENS (Janson; ULB; ULiege)
• Julien CABAY (ULB; KUL; ULiege)
• Jacques DERENNE (Sheppard Mullin LLP; ULiege)
• Cyril FISCHER (Stibbe; ULiege)
• Luc GYSELEN (Arnold Porter)
• David HULL (Van Bael & Bellis; ULiege)
• Paul MAEYAERT (Fencer Law)
• Charles-Henry MASSA (Référendaire European Court of Justice)
• Norman NEYRINCK (Lexing; Belgian Competition Authority; ULiege)
• Bernard VANBRABANT (Liedekerke; ULiege)
• Pieter VAN CLEYNENBREUGEL (ULiege; Belgian Competition Authority)

WHAT ALUMNI SAY ABOUT US

“The LL.M in EU competition and IP Law of the University of Liège provides students with the optimal input to further develop a successful career in EU top law firms, public institutions, corporate firms or academia. This is due to the top quality of its lecturers (e.g., prestigious practitioners at a EU level), its comprehensive bilingual academic program, the extra-curricular activities offered during the academic year (e.g., participation in law moot courts, publication of papers, free attendance to hot-topic conferences in Brussels, etc.), and the international background of the students. The current positions of most of the Alumni say it all about the quality of the programme!”

Pablo GONZÁLEZ DE ZÁRATE | Associate, Clifford Chance

“This LLM has proven to be the indispensable key to get in the Brussels legal market and has provided me with the precise knowledge and connections I needed. Moreover, it was an excellent way to get used to work in both English and French, which is being really useful. I will always recommend the LLM to all the young professionals who want to succeed in this competitive market!”

Eduardo GOMEZ CASADO | Case handler, DG COMP, EU Commission

“I decided to enrol in the LL.M. in EU Competition and IP law due to its unique specialization in both fields and the possibility to study the intersection between the two areas which is particularly relevant nowadays. I especially valued having top practitioners as professors combining the theory and practice and the fact that I was able to attend multiple conferences and seminars. Having a reduced number of students in class is also a distinguishing factor and makes you feel back at school! I would definitely recommend this program!”

Jaime RODRIGUEZ-TOQUERO AYMERICH  | Associate, Hogan Lovells

“The LL.M. offered me a unique opportunity to gain an in-depth knowledge of IP and competition law, and this not only from an academic point of view: a lot of attention is being paid to practical cases, exercises and recent developments. Moreover, students are often invited to conferences and seminars that are not normally accessible to them. This, in combination with the fact that the courses are taught in French and English, makes this LL.M. the perfect preparation to become a skilled legal practitioner”.

Ann-Sophie MAES | In-House Lawyer, TOTAL

“The LL.M. program was a great leg up to my professional career! We had a passionate and inspiring teaching staff that taught us insightful practical and theoretical knowledge on current IP and competition law issues. The bilingual and interactive courses made me improve my language and communication skills. Moreover, I received many opportunities to attend interesting conferences, to build up a professional network on which I still rely on, and to do internships, where I could immediately apply theory to practice. Therefore, I can strongly recommend this program.”

Hélène VAN DEN BERGH | Legal Counsel & Compliance Officer, Quintiles

“Thanks to this Advanced Master, I was able to gain an in-depth knowledge in both IP and competition law. It also gave me the opportunity to particpate in the College of Europe ‘Competition Law Moot Court’ and develop a more practical way of thinking. The fact that this Advanced Master is taught in French and English was a surplus for me, as Dutch speaking student”.

Sam BISHOP | Associate, Monard Law

C’était l’occasion rêvée d’approfondir les matières de la propriété intellectuelle et du droit de la concurrence qui m’intéressent particulièrement. On peut en effet compter sur une équipe de professeurs et d’assistants experts et sur un enseignement bilingue”.

Julien JOST | Head of Unit, Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel (CSA)

“The LL.M. in EU Competition and IP law does not solely combine two challenging fields of law. It gives its students precious insights in how to deal with complex matters, encouraging them to think ‘out of the box’. The bilingual aspect; the innovative program with the possibility to ‘customize’ it with optional courses; the very motivated team of teachers and staff and the possibilities to participate in conferences and moot courts (to only name a few), ensure high level knowledge and the practical “touch” needed to successfully pursue a legal career.”

Margot VAN MEERBEECK | Associate, Hoyng Rokh Monegier

“A very interesting education offering excellent insight into all aspects of IP and competition law and focussing on the current debates in both bodies of law. Highly recommended because of the combination of a theoritical and practical approach.”

Frederik BAEYENS | Associate, De Bock & Baluwe

“Grâce à ce Master complémentaire, j’ai passé une année riche, passionnante et très instructive : corps professoral exemplaire (tant d’un point de vue humain que dans la teneur des cours), avantages d’une « classe » peu nombreuse (forte complicité…) et, last but not least, de très nets progrès en anglais”.

Pierre CRUCIFIX | Legal Intern, CBC Bank & Insurance

“A simple Master in law degree is no longer enough for many students. It is why, after having obtained the scholarship for foreign students from the Belgian government, I decided to join this LL.M. The choice was not difficult, as although relatively new, the LL.M. is already highly-recognized all over Europe and the decision fast turned out to be one of the best I’ve made in my professional path so far! “

Sonia Józviak | Civil Servant, Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection

“Thanks to a teaching staff consisting of both leading academics and practitioners, this LL.M. offers in-depth insights in IP and competition law. Through its interactive formula and international orientation, it enticed me to think outside the box and to develop a cross-border perspective on both bodies of law. Furthermore, my command of both French and English has improved significantly during the course of the program. Administrative support during the year is superb. All in all, I highly recommend the program.”

Kristof NEEFS | Associate, Altius

“Unforgettable bilingual education by top Brussels lawyers and other excellent professors with substantial experience in IP and competition law. The two main themes are thoroughly imbued throughout the courses, all of this in a multinational surrounding with ample opportunity to discover other European cultures. The decision to come to the IEJE has been the best decision so far in my student life. Students graduating from the Advanced Master program are definitively ready to 'play the game'.”

Irena TUSEK | Legal Advisor, Croatian Telecoms

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

The LL.M. in European Competition and IP law is open to all applicants holding a Bologna Master’s degree in law or a degree that is deemed equivalent by the admissions commission (i.e., a 300 ECTS or 5 years educational programme in law).

Subject to a decision from the admissions commission, the LL.M. degree is also opened to students with a 4 years diploma in law with relevant professional experience in competition or IP law.

The LL.M. degree is also opened to students with Bologna Master’s degrees from business schools, subject to a decision from the admissions commission.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

To take part in LL.M. programme, a sound working knowledge of French and English is indispensable.

It is up to the student to determine whether he feels confident that his or her level is sufficient to understand and take part in classes taught in English and French. No specific language test is required by the admissions committee but you will be asked for information concerning your knowledge of various languages when filling the online application form.

Students willing to improve their English or French may attend language courses organized at the University during the academic year.

HOW TO APPLY?

The conditions of access to this LL.M are strict. See our Admission and Contacts webpage.

Applications are open on a rolling-basis from the 1st February of each year until the start of the LL.M programme in mid-September (early applications are however recommended). The LL.M class is limited to 25 students.

If you want to apply for the LL.M. in EU Competition and IP law, please follow these steps:

1. Send an e-mail to Caroline Langevin expressing your interest in our LL.M. with a copy of your Curriculum Vitae;
2. Then, fill-in the online application/registration form:
   1. Form for Belgian citizens
   2. Form of EU citizens
   3. Form for non-EU citizens (Please note that non-EU citizens must apply before mid-April)
3. Once the online form is completed, you will be asked to send by post to the ULiege’s admission department a signed printout of it with all the documents listed on its last page (copies of diplomas, transcripts, proof of language knowledge…) needed to assess your admission, in function of your profile.
4. Once the online form is completed, send an e-mail to Caroline Langevin with a copy of the completed form in PDF as attachment.

For any query, please do not hesitate to contact the Caroline Langevin.

The University of Liège is a government-funded institution, whose fees are regulated. This allows the LL.M. programme to be financially accessible to the selected best students.

• The tuition fee for the academic year approximates to 850 euros for EU citizens.
• Tuition fees for non-EU citizens depend on the country of origin (see the full list of fees).

For additional information on this, please send an e-mail to Caroline Langevin.

Students must be financially self-sufficient during theur stay in Liege (discover the living costs in Liege).

The city of Liège is located in the heart of Europe.

Located in the close vicinity of Brussels, the city of Liège is one of the principal economic and cultural cities of Belgium. Situated in the valley of the Meuse River, the city is near Belgium’s eastern borders with the Netherlands and Germany.

It has a state of the art railway station and offers a high speed rail network linking the city to Europe - Brussels (90km), Antwerp (120km), Cologne (120km), Luxembourg (140km), Amsterdam (340km), Paris (380km) and London (430km), while Maastricht is only a stone throw away.

Two halls of residence are available on the campus. Many private student rooms are available in the city centre for affordable prices.

The development of the city of Liège is closely intertwined with the one of the University. Student events and folkloric displays rhythm the life of the city.

STUDENT GROUP

Each year, the LL.M. is attended by a group of 25 to 30 students (maximum number of enrolled students). The seminar size of the student group ensures high-quality training, fosters emulation through discussion, and provides students with a convivial atmosphere in which they can thrive.

A majority of our students originate from Belgium and Western Europe. In addition, the LL.M. often welcomes students from Eastern Europe, South America and Asia.

Due to the small number of enrolled students, strong bonds are often forged between them. Each year, students are invited to take part to Moot Courts and study trip.

MOOT COURT

Whenever possible and depending their willingness, students are also given the opportunity to par­ticipate in several Moot Courts.

A few years ago, a team of our LL.M. students won the prize for the best submission in the Competition Law Moot Court organised by the College of Europe, Belgium. In 2010, the students of the LLM won the first prize of the "Concours Lamy de la concurrence 2010", in Paris. In 2015 a team composed of five LL.M. students was selected to take part to the final round of the EU Law Moot Court at the EU Court of Justice, Luxemburg.

STUDY TRIP

Each year, our LL.M. students are invited to visit to one of the EU institutions. This study trip offers students a unique opportunity to discover the inner-workings of a major EU institution. During the trip, students are guided by a lawyer fami­liar with the institution. They are also invited to meet high-ranking officials.

The study trip is an integral part of the acade­mic programme.