Intellectual Property & Information Technology Law - LLM

Course Overview

The tensions between rewarding intellectual development, on the one hand, and incentivising further developments, on the other, are most acute in the context of technological advance. And such issues arise in the context of information technology law more generally, where the rapid emergence of new technologies raises questions of how, if at all, the law should respond to, regulate, and promote such developments.



Intellectual Property and Information Technology have become significant and growing areas of law at both a European and an international level. With this in mind, the Law School recently introduced a new LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Information Technology law. This Masters programme seeks to promote critical analysis of, and reflection on, different aspects of national, European and international intellectual property and information technology law.



Is This Course For Me?

Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law is an important field of law for anyone who works or is thinking of working with technology and software, such as software developers, information technology professionals, inventors, and entrepreneurs. On the LL.M in Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law, you will take modules in which you will study the inter-relationships between law, science and technology. These modules cover the substantive, policy, and practical elements of IP and IT law within European and International contexts. This programme provides graduates with the knowledge and tools to meet the demands of our sophisticated knowledge economy.



Course Structure

This is a full-time programme and is delivered in-person at Trinity College. It is divided into two semesters during each of which students are required to take three modules. Each module is offered in one semester only and involves 22 hours of classwork which is supported by independent reading and research. Various forms of assessment are utilised in the different modules to enhance students’ learning experience. In addition, all students must complete a research dissertation over the academic year on an approved theme.

The modules offered on this programme cover both the substantive and practical elements of Intellectual Property and Information Technology law within a European and international context. Modules offerings may include Data Protection, Cyber Security Law, Copyright Law, Trademark Law, Regulation of Artificial Intelligence and more.

Admission Requirements

Applications are invited from well-qualified graduates who hold a very good Honours Bachelor degree in law or in a law-based interdisciplinary programme. Applications may also be considered from exceptional graduates in disciplines relevant to the LL.M degree they are applying for where: a substantial component of their undergraduate degree(s) is in Law; or applicants have significant professional experience in Law.



The above is the starting point for applications and does not guarantee admission. Admission to Trinity's LL.M. programmes is at the absolute discretion of the School of Law, which will decide on admissions with regard to a range of academic criteria, including the quality of the individual application and the objectives of ensuring a diverse LL.M. class of the highest possible academic calibre.



Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We advise students to apply for the course as early as possible as admission is competitive. The programme is subject to early closure.

This programme is academically rigorous and requires students to have a high level of English language and legal English competency. It is expected that students will be able to effectively and proficiently participate in classroom discussions.

Closing Date: 31st May 2025

1 year full-time.

Next Intake: September 2025

Career Opportunities

This Masters programme provides graduates with a knowledge base and the core tools to use in future research or in their practice as intellectual property and IT lawyers.



The School of Law at Trinity College Dublin is a strategic partner of the ‘Pan-European Seal’ Professional Traineeship Program. Students of the LL.M. can apply to take part in this paid traineeship with the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO).