Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2013.
| Course Overview: |
Melbourne Law School’s graduate program in intellectual property is one of the largest and most respected specialist IP law programs in the world. Its extensive range of challenging, cutting-edge subjects cover the spectrum of IP protection regimes, and are both practically focused and theoretically rigorous. The majority of its subjects are accredited by the Professional Standards Board for Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys. The program is ideal for those seeking accreditation as a patent and/or trade marks attorney, as well as for those seeking to develop or expand their expertise in intellectual property law generally. |
| Objectives: |
The graduate programs in intellectual property law focus on: - Key aspects of Australian intellectual property law and practice
- The international context in which Australian intellectual property law operates
- An analysis of intellectual property law problems and how to apply principles of intellectual property law to them.
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| Course Structure & Available Subjects: |
Students must complete four subjects from the prescribed list. Students who do not have a law degree from a common law jurisdiction or any prior legal studies or experience are also expected to complete the two-day preliminary subject Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions. |
Majors/
Minors/
Specialisations | None |
| Subject Options: |
# Offered in 2013 |
| Breadth Tracks: | None Available Breadth Tracks |
| Entry Requirements: |
- A degree in a relevant discipline and the equivalent of at least one year of full-time, documented, relevant professional experience; or
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent), at honours standard or equivalent; or
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent) and the equivalent of at least one year of full-time, documented, relevant professional experience.
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| Core Participation Requirements: |
The Melbourne Law Masters welcomes applications from students with disabilities. The inherent academic requirements for study in the Melbourne Law Masters are: - The ability to attend a minimum of 75% of classes and actively engage in the analysis and critique of complex materials and debate;
- The ability to read, analyse and comprehend complex written legal materials and complex interdisciplinary materials;
- The ability to clearly and independently communicate in writing a knowledge and application of legal principles and interdisciplinary materials and to critically evaluate these;
- The ability to clearly and independently communicate orally a knowledge and application of legal principles and interdisciplinary materials and critically evaluate these;
- The ability to work independently and as a part of a group;
- The ability to present orally and in writing legal analysis to a professional standard.
Students who feel their disability will inhibit them from meeting these inherent academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit: www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/ |
| Graduate Attributes: |
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Advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the relevant area of law
The specialist focus of the Melbourne Law Masters, the constant review and renewal of subjects and courses, the range and expertise of instructors from Australia and around the world, and regular advice from our advisory boards combine to ensure that courses and subjects reflect emerging knowledge and ideas -
Ability to evaluate and synthesise existing knowledge in the area
Small classes, a discussion-based environment and the emphasis on quality teaching and learning create an environment in which knowledge is exchanged, critically examined and adapted to current circumstances -
Well-developed problem solving abilities, characterised by flexibility of approach
Most subjects approach knowledge by reference to various issues or problems. Students are encouraged to critically analyse problems and identify and develop a range of appropriate solutions through class discussion, individual study and assessment tasks. -
Advanced competencies in legal research and analysis
Class preparation and class discussions are designed to enhance these skills, which are tested in all forms of assessment. -
Capacity to communicate, orally and in writing
Classroom discussion and formal presentations provide an opportunity to hone oral communication skills, and written assessment tasks are graded in part on written communication skills. -
Appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research
Research papers and other research tasks are expected to attain a degree of originality and discovery that befits a quality postgraduate program, and students are encouraged and assisted to publish work of a high standard in refereed journals. -
Capacity to manage competing demands on time
The demanding nature of graduate study requires effective time-management skills from all students. The rigour of our programs, whether undertaken part-time or full-time, ensures that all successful graduates have enhanced time-management skills. -
Profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, including the ethics of scholarship
Some subjects have a substantive ethical component. All instructors have a respect for intellectual integrity and are skilled scholars or practitioners in their own right. -
Appreciation of the way in which knowledge provides a foundation for leadership
Instructors in the Melbourne Law Masters are leaders in their fields, and many subjects involve visiting academics, exposing students to a wider array of leaders in a range of legal fields. The Law School is committed to the significance of knowledge, which informs all regular programs and a wide range of additional activities. -
Capacity to value and participate in teamwork
Small class sizes and an intensive teaching format are valuable in encouraging group dynamics and teamwork. -
Understanding of the significance and value of knowledge to the wider community
Law and legal knowledge are a community resource. In some subjects, this perspective is covered explicitly by the syllabus and the manner in which issues are treated in class. In addition, our diverse student body ensures that a range of perspectives on the way law impacts on the community are identified and analysed. -
Capacity to engage with issues in contemporary society
Our programs focus on the most up-to-date legal knowledge, analysing current issues and problems through the curriculum design, classroom discussion and assessment tasks. International students are also invited to participate in extracurricular activities to aid understanding of Australian law and legal institutions. -
Advanced working skills in the use of new technology
The most advanced IT infrastructure is available to Melbourne Law Masters students in the Law Library, the Moot Court Room, classroom settings and for private study. |
| Professional Accreditation: |
By satisfactorily completing appropriate subjects, a suitably qualified person may be accredited with satisfying all topic groups necessary for admission as a trade marks attorney, and all of the groups necessary for admission as a patent attorney. Applicants seeking registration as a patent attorney and/or trade marks attorney should indicate this on acceptance of your offer and seek advice from the PSB and the Law School on subject selection at the time of enrolment. For more information, see the course page at http://www.law.unimelb.edu.au/course/276/2013 or visit www.psb.gov.au |
| Links to further information: | http://www.law.unimelb.edu.au/course/276/2013 |