Intellectual Property Higher Courts Advocacy Certificate

Program Overview

The Intellectual Property Higher Courts Advocacy Certificate (HCAC) is a three-month professional course for Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, designed to equip them with the skills necessary to advocate in intellectual property litigation. Combining online and in-person learning, the course emphasizes practical skills development through a "learning by doing" approach, preparing participants to use advocacy rights in civil courts. Accredited by IPReg, successful completion of the HCAC grants individuals the right to litigate intellectual property matters in England and Wales.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Intellectual Property Higher Courts Advocacy Certificate (HCAC) is a three-month part-time professional course offered by Nottingham Trent University's Nottingham Law School. It is designed for Patent Attorneys and Trade Mark Attorneys who already hold IPReg's Higher Courts Litigation Certificate. The course aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to develop as advocates in intellectual property litigation, justifying the grant of higher court advocacy rights under section 2.2(c) of the IPREG Certification Rules 2012. The course emphasizes a "learning by doing" approach, focusing on practical skills development and preparation for using advocacy rights once qualified.

Outline:

The HCAC course is structured into two stages:

Stage One: Professional Conduct, Civil Evidence, Trial Preparation & Procedure

• Delivery: Online, synchronously and asynchronously over approximately three months.
• Content: This stage covers professional conduct, civil evidence, trial preparation, and procedure.
• Content: Focuses on advocacy skills, including a short trial on the Friday afternoon for practice and tutor feedback.
• Learning Activities: Includes use of state-of-the-art courtroom facilities, a seven-day break for reflection and feedback incorporation, and a final mini-trial simulation on MS Teams using the same case study.
• Objective: To synthesize learning from Stage One and develop practical advocacy skills.

Assessment:

• Evidence, Procedure & Ethics: Written Examination Paper
• Oral Advocacy: Assessment

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Blend of online and face-to-face learning.
• Faculty: The course is taught by experienced legal professionals, including:
• Jane Jarman, Professor of Legal Practice at Nottingham Law School
• Joy Davies, Principal Lecturer at Nottingham Law School
• Unique Approaches:
• "Learning by doing" approach with emphasis on practical skills development.
• Integration of online and in-person learning activities.

Careers:

• Career Paths: The course provides professional training for Trade Mark Attorneys, Patent Attorneys, and other professionals working in the field of Intellectual Property Law.
• Opportunities: Successful completion of the HCAC course, along with the IPReg's Higher Courts Litigation Certificate, enables individuals to act as advocates in intellectual property matters before various civil courts in England and Wales.

Other:

• Accreditation: The HCAC course is accredited by the Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg).
• Course Materials: The course utilizes the NOW Virtual Learning Environment to deliver a range of learning materials, including podcasts, narrated PowerPoints, film clips, and an IP Advocacy Skills Guidance Booklet.
• Course Dates:
• Part 1: Five online 2-hour sessions (12.30 - 2.30 pm) on the following dates:
• 9 January 2025
• 23 January 2025
• 6 February 2025
• 20 February 2025
• 6 March 2025
• Part 2: 26 - 28 March 2025
• Induction: An induction session is delivered synchronously online before Stage One begins.
This includes a virtual "Scavenger Hunt" to refresh knowledge from the NLS IP Litigation and Advocacy course and introduce key areas of focus.
• Flexibility: The asynchronous delivery of Stage One allows for flexibility in managing time, recognizing the busy schedules of IP litigators.
• Integration: Stage Two builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in Stage One, placing them in a practical context.
• Assessment Focus: The assessment focuses on both theoretical knowledge and practical advocacy skills.
• Course Completion: Successful completion of the HCAC course, along with the IPReg's Higher Courts Litigation Certificate, grants individuals the right to litigate intellectual property matters before the civil courts of England and Wales.

Start date Course fees January 2025 £3,200 Discounts available Professional courses award discount for January 2025 entry £500