Master of Intellectual Property

Note

This course is only available by distance mode. International students are not eligible for a student visa to study this course in Australia.

The UTS Master of Intellectual Property is the first course at an Australian university that can provide the entire educational requirements for registration as a registered Trans-Tasman patent attorney in Australia and New Zealand under the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board, as well as registration as an Australian trade marks attorney.

Completely online, this course will guide you through the registered trade marks, patents and designs systems in Australia and New Zealand, focusing on the relevant laws and principles of practice across both jurisdictions, enabling you to advise upon questions of patent, trade mark and design infringement, validity and compliance. You will also be guided through the legal process and professional conduct regulation of trade marks attorneys and Trans-Tasman patent attorneys in Australia and New Zealand.

The course provides for practice- oriented learning facilitated through a mix of theoretical and practical exercises, ensuring you can apply your knowledge effectively in professional contexts. This includes an ability to advise on: the protection of unregistered marks and related forms of protection against misleading or unfair trading conduct in Australia and New Zealand; the patent systems across key jurisdictions, the content and implications of a patent specification and claims, as well as related confidential information and know-how. And for those of you not planning to register as a trade marks or patent attorney, you may also choose from optional subjects, including copyright law, global aspects of intellectual property law, intellectual property and traditional knowledge, intellectual property and human rights and intellectual property commercialisation.

Depending on the subjects taken, you may seek registration as a trade marks attorney or Trans-Tasman patent attorney. Those with a commercial or arts background have the opportunity to move into the management of intellectual property assets. Others may use their newly acquired skills in intellectual property law to influence policy or government regulation.

The unique feature of this course is that it may be undertaken entirely online, removing the need for students to attend face-to-face classes.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.

Applicants must have one of the following:

• Completed Australian doctorate, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study

OR

• Completed Australian bachelor's degree or Australian master’s degree, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study with a minimum GPA of 4/7

OR

• Completed Australian bachelor's degree or Australian master’s degree, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study AND Capacity to study the course demonstrated through relevant professional experience

Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application

For applicants required to demonstrate capacity to pursue the course:

• Curriculum Vitae AND Statement of service in one of the following formats:
  • A 'Statement of Service' provided by the employer
  • A completed 'UTS statement of service’ signed by the employer
  • A statutory declaration confirming work experience (for Australian Residents only)
  • An official letter from the applicant’s accountant or solicitor on their company letterhead confirming the applicant’s work experience or engagement with the business, duration of operations, and the nature of the business
  • A business certificate of registration in original language and English (e.g. provision of ASIC documentation or ABN or similar documentation for Australian Businesses)
• Relevant work-related references
• Personal statement outlining relevant professional experience and reasons for pursuing this course.

The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL iBT: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

International students

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.

To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.

Applicants must have one of the following:

• Completed Australian doctorate, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study

OR

• Completed Australian bachelor's degree or Australian master’s degree, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study with a minimum GPA of 4/7

OR

• Completed Australian bachelor's degree or Australian master’s degree, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study AND Capacity to study the course demonstrated through relevant professional experience

Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application

For applicants required to demonstrate capacity to pursue the course:

• Curriculum Vitae AND Statement of service in one of the following formats:
  • A 'Statement of Service' provided by the employer
  • A completed 'UTS statement of service’ signed by the employer
  • A statutory declaration confirming work experience (for Australian Residents only)
  • An official letter from the applicant’s accountant or solicitor on their company letterhead confirming the applicant’s work experience or engagement with the business, duration of operations, and the nature of the business
  • A business certificate of registration in original language and English (e.g. provision of ASIC documentation or ABN or similar documentation for Australian Businesses)
• Relevant work-related references
• Personal statement outlining relevant professional experience and reasons for pursuing this course.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

• Intellectual Property Lawyer
• IP Portfolio Manager
• Policy Advisor
• Policy Analyst
• Regulatory Officer
• Trade Marks Attorney
• Copyright Officer
• In-house Legal Counsel
• Trade Mark Examiner
• Patent Attorney