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Getting into Intellectual Property (IP) Law

21st July 2015 Posted by: University of Law

Thinking of studying or pursuing a career in IP law?

Matthew Tomlinson, lecturer at The University of Law (ULaw), completed an undergraduate degree in International Business and Modern Languages. After some time working in Paris for a commercial real estate advisory firm, he soon realised he wanted to pursue a career as a lawyer. After completing both the GDL and LPC course at ULaw Chester, followed by training in an international law firm, Matthew joined ULaw as a lecturer. Here he talks about entering IP law:

What draws law graduates to the field of IP law?

IP is an increasingly important area of law that is constantly changing in response to developments in the commercial and technological world that we operate in. There is a constant commercial pressure to reform IP law as businesses that create IP rights seek better protection. However to what extent the law should provide protection to the owners of IP rights and what the law recognises as an IP right is something that promotes much debate amongst students.

IP law is both topical and exciting and students will often have come across elements of IP law before they come to study the subject. Companies are regularly testing the parameters of IP law before the courts and there are a number of recent high profile cases that have attracted significant media attention, for example the Apple v Samsung case, that students may be aware of.

What do they need to do to specialise in this area?

IP is a very pervasive area of law and is therefore relevant to many different disciplines. Whereas 100 years ago it was a company’s real estate that presented as the most valuable asset on its balance sheet, today it is IP and it is therefore important that our commercial lawyers of the future recognise this and understand the significance of IP in business. A corporate lawyer will need ensure that all relevant IP rights are transferred when acting for a client who is buying a business, just as a litigator will need to present their client whose brand name has been copied by another business with advice on infringement and possible action that they may take.

How competitive is IP law? Are there any emerging opportunities, or challenges?

Like all areas of law, IP law is competitive and students wanting to pursue a career in this area are going to have to demonstrate excellent commercial acumen in order to succeed. IP law is predominantly practiced by the larger commercial law firms, many of whom will have specific niche specialisms within the overall umbrella that is IP law, for example media law, sports law etc, so it is advisable to research firms that practise the areas that you are interested in. These firms generally have a formal recruitment process and often offer work placements which are an excellent way to get your foot in the door and some experience under your belt. More and more, companies themselves are recruiting legal expertise in-house and these roles are often particularly focussed around IP law.

What can students start doing right now to help prepare themselves for a career in IP law?

If students are wanting to pursue a career in IP law I would advise that they start by taking a module on the subject which will help them gain an insight into this area and the current issues that companies and practitioners are experiencing. There are a number of excellent IP publications that provide coverage of developments in IP law and these can be a good way of furthering your knowledge in the field; your tutor should be able to guide you on those that are best suited to your level of study.

Once students have satisfied themselves that IP law is something that they would like to explore further, the next step would be to identify law firms that practice the area of IP that interests them and to endeavour to secure some work experience. There is nothing better than some hands on experience to bolster the CV and to gain an insight into what the job looks like on the ground.
 

Intellectual Property Law is taught as an elective subject on the Legal Practise Course (LPC). To find out more about our postgraduate courses visit http://www.law.ac.uk/postgraduate/


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