LLM Intellectual Property & Information Technology
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
By combining information technology and intellectual property law together, this programme offers a deeper understanding of the interrelationship between these two topics which have emerged as significant areas in the future development of law. The School has established links with the UCD School of Computer Science and Informatics to promote greater understanding in the information technology area. Members of staff in the Sutherland School of Law have engaged in major research in this area spanning the full range of information technology and intellectual property from internet filtering, data protection to the protection of confidential information.
To understand and think critically about various facets of Information Technology Law, Intellectual Property Law and their inter-relationship
To apply their knowledge and understanding of Information Technology Law and Intellectual Property Law to real and hypothetical factual situations
To conduct independent research and write coherent, well-structured papers.
The Sutherland School of Law offers a wide range of modules for the Masters programmes. Modules of especial interest to those undertaking this programme include:
Digital Investigations and the Law deals with the legal framework governing the activities of persons involved in Information Technology security and forensics. Topics covered will include:* Legal issues associated with securing networks (including penetration testing, legal obligations to store data / keep data secure);
* Legal issues raised in the conduct of investigations (including the legality of network monitoring and employee surveillance, duties to report certain findings to the police, interaction with police investigations); and
* The role of digital evidence in litigation
Patent Law examines the relationship between the patent law system and biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Patent law under the European Patent Convention, in Ireland and the UK will be considered, although students will be encouraged to conduct comparative research of jurisdictions such as the US and Japan.
Data Protection and Privacy considers data protection and privacy law, particularly emphasizing an international and comparative perspective that encompasses Irish, EU, and US law. The European and American approaches to the regulation of personal information differ sharply, and these differences illuminate assumptions embedded in each regime. The course will consider theoretical approaches to conceptualizing an individual's interest in personal information. It will also introduce the fundamental legal rules governing the handling of that information, including constitutional law, tort law, contracts, and statutory or administrative regulation.
CIEL
The Comparative International and European Law (CIEL) programme is an exchange programme for registered full-time LLM students. The programme includes joint thesis supervision with academic colleagues at both the home and host institution. Upon successful completion students are awarded the CIEL certificate in addition to their LLM award.
Maastricht University (Courses through English: English as first language or an overall score of score 6.5 in IELTS)
Universität Mannheim (Courses through German: German as first language, Leaving Certificate B2 or equivalent)
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Courses through English: English as first language or an overall score of score 6.5 in IELTS)
Université Toulouse 1 Capitole (Courses through French: French as first language, Leaving Certificate B2 or equivalent)
University of Antwerp (Courses through English: English as first language or an overall score of score 6.5 in IELTS)
University of Zagreb (Courses through English: English as first language or an overall score of score 6.5 in IELTS)
Students admitted to LLM programmes holding a 2:1 in their undergraduate Law degree and relevant language results are eligible to apply in late September/Early October when they have begun their programme. Spaces are allocated on a competitive basis. Open to September start students only.
LLM Exchange to the University of Melbourne
Sutherland School of Law will offer one full-time registered LLM, September start, student the opportunity to spend Semester Two of their full-time LLM programme in the University of Melbourne. This is open only to students admitted to an LLM programme holding a high 2:1 in their undergraduate Law degree. Allocation will be based on academic performance to date and interview. Application to this will open in October.
Additional Notes for Applicants:
Please note that the Part Time programme has the same timetable as the full time programme but is held over 2 years rather than 1 year.
January start full time students will be expected to submit a dissertation title as soon as they have registered for the programme, in January, and will have to submit a proposal and poster within the first weeks of their first semester.
There will be dissertation seminars in weeks 1-4 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11-1pm (Jan-May term)
Vision and Values Statement
This programme gives students, already holding an undergraduate degree in law or have practised law for a significant period, deeper understanding of the relationship between information technology and intellectual property law. Both have emerged as significant areas in law's future development. Graduate acquire the knowledge, skills and capacity to work in the area of information technology and intellectual property law, domestically or internationally, as a practising lawyer, in-house legal adviser, policy maker or researcher.
Students are challenged to understand and think critically about various facets of Information Technology law, Intellectual Property Law and their inter-relationship. The understanding thereby acquired is also relevant to their contribution as citizens in an increasingly wide range of areas.
We strive for a learning environment that encourages students to work individually or as part of a team, so they can develop their own and others' leadership, teamwork and communication skills, as well as integrating the different disciplinary perspectives offered in the curriculum for this programme, in collaboration with UCD School of Computer Science.
To these ends, the programme makes intensive use of teaching, learning and assessment approaches such as small group teaching, in-class presentations (individual and group) and academic writing. A 30 credit dissertation on a topic devised by the student is an integral part of the programme.
Programme Outcomes
demonstrate a detailed awareness of the law and current controversies in intellectual property and information technology and knowledge of areas where the theoretical underpinnings of the subject is being challenged.
understand the national and international framework within which this area has developed.
use knowledge of substantive law to advise on legal issues presented by factual situations and to evaluate and critique arguments as to whether and how the law in this field is in need of reforms.
evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of competing claims as to the validity and merit of legal rules and be able to consider whether or how emerging forms of regulation might impact on more traditional forms of regulation.
integrate source material from a variety of disciplinary areas to reach reasoned decisions about the relative status of competing claims to knowledge.
unpack complex arguments and to render intelligible to a non-specialist audience, key disciplinary insights.
have the intellectual toolkit required to research and write a major dissertation.