Intellectual Property Litigation Certificate

Program Overview

The Certificate in Intellectual Property Litigation is an advanced litigation skills program designed for experienced intellectual property attorneys. Structured into four modules, it covers case analysis, drafting, litigation procedure, and alternative dispute resolution.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Certificate in Intellectual Property Litigation is an advanced litigation skills course designed for registered Patent Attorneys and registered Trade Mark Attorneys with at least two years of post-qualification practitioner experience in intellectual property. The program aims to enhance case analysis skills, drafting skills, knowledge of the law of evidence and related practice, management of litigation procedure in the civil courts, experience of alternative methods of dispute resolution, and develop high-level skills of reflection.

Outline:

The program is structured into four modules, delivered over eight months:

• Module One: Case Analysis and Case Theory, Drafting and Case Preparation
• Topics 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
• Topics 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
• Topics 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
• Topics covered: case preparation for the advocate, opening statements, witness examination (chief/cross/re-examination), legal and evidential submissions, closing speeches, mock trial.

Assessment:

• Written Paper in Intellectual Property Litigation (three hours) for the Certificate in IP Litigation.
• The courses are accredited by 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.
• The program is taught by Joy Davies, a Principal Lecturer at the Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University.

Careers:

• The program provides professional training for Trade Mark Attorneys, Patent Attorneys and other professionals working in the field of Intellectual Property Law.

Other:

• The program is operated under the aegis of the Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg).
• 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.
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 tuition fee for the UK is £8,150.