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.
Who should Apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No
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:
On Line Regulation examines current issues in internet regulation. It considers the legal, regulatory and technical framework within which internet activities take place and examines how particular areas fit within that framework. It will assess the notion of the internet as a borderless space and will tackle the ways in which the law has responded to reassert jurisdictional boundaries. It will also examine the growth in technological responses (such as internet filtering) which may bypass the legal system. Areas of particular focus will include responses to domain name disputes, cybercrime, online harassment / defamation and filesharing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
have the intellectual toolkit required to research and write a major dissertation.
integrate source material from a variety of disciplinary areas to reach reasoned decisions about the relative status of competing claims to knowledge.
understand the national and international framework within which this area has developed.
unpack complex arguments and to render intelligible to a non-specialist audience, key disciplinary insights.
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.