International Studies in Intellectual Property Law

Program Description: International Studies in Intellectual Property Law at Technische Universität Dresden

The International Studies in Intellectual Property Law at Technische Universität Dresden is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the complex legal frameworks governing intellectual property (IP) rights across different jurisdictions. This interdisciplinary course combines legal theory, international treaties, policy analysis, and practical applications to prepare graduates for careers in law firms, international organizations, government agencies, and private industry where IP rights play a crucial role.

Throughout the program, students will explore various aspects of intellectual property law, including patent law, copyright, trademarks, trade secrets, and related regulatory and enforcement mechanisms. The curriculum emphasizes the international dimension of IP law, focusing on treaties such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) conventions, the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), and regional agreements. Students will critically analyze how these international instruments interact with domestic legal systems and influence global IP strategies.

The program adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from law, economics, technology, and policy studies. This allows students to understand the broader socio-economic implications of IP rights, including innovation promotion, access to knowledge, cultural development, and ethical considerations. Case studies from various industries, including pharmaceuticals, technology, entertainment, and fashion, are utilized to demonstrate real-world applications and challenges faced by IP professionals.

Practical training is a key component of the program. Students have opportunities for internships, moot courts, and collaboration with industry partners to develop practical skills in IP law, negotiations, and dispute resolution. The program also encourages research projects, enabling students to specialize in areas such as patent litigation, copyright infringement, or IP policy analysis.

The faculty comprises renowned experts in intellectual property law, international law, and policy, facilitating a rich academic environment. The multicultural student body enriches the learning experience through diverse perspectives and networks. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared to navigate the rapidly evolving field of international IP law and to contribute effectively to global and regional IP initiatives.

By the conclusion of the program, students will have developed strong analytical, legal, and communication skills, along with specialized knowledge of international intellectual property law, positioning them for successful careers in academia, legal practice, policy-making, or corporate management related to intellectual property.

Educational organisation

The one-year programme is divided into four parts. During the winter semester, students can choose to study at one of the partner universities in Krakow, Exeter, London, Prague, Seattle, Strasbourg or Szeged. An internship of four to six weeks follows. The summer semester is spent at the Technical University of Dresden. Lastly, students have to complete a final thesis (July to September).

Study abroad unit(s)

Students spend their winter semester abroad at one of the partner universities in Krakow, Exeter, London, Prague, Seattle, Strasbourg or Szeged.

Internships

In February and March, students studying in Krakow, Exeter, London, Prague and Szeged complete an internship of four to six weeks at a public authority, company or law firm that specialises in intellectual property law in Germany or abroad. Students studying in Prague can take part in an internship programme through a partner university. This internship can be done in either a law firm, a court, with public authorities, or with other entities related to Intellectual Property Law.
Students studying in Strasbourg and Seattle do not need to complete an internship due to the practical orientation and extended length of the studies there.

Forms of assessment

Final thesis, colloquium, course examinations

Course objectives

Degree: LLM Intellectual Property Law (Magister Legum)

Language requirements

For the semester in Dresden, non-native speakers of German are required to provide evidence of their German language skills: e.g. TestDaF (TDN 4x4) or DSH 2
Evidence of language abilities in the language of the relevant partner university:

• For studies in Exeter: TOEFL, minimum 90/100 pts (Internet-based test) or IELTS, minimum 6.0 (Internet-based test)
• For studies in London: IELTS, minimum 6.5 (Internet-based test)
• For studies in Strasbourg: proof of very good language skills is sufficient (no test required)
• For studies in Prague: students should have at least basic knowledge of Czech, good language skills in English
• For studies in Krakow: basic language skills in English and Polish
• For studies in Seattle: very good language skills in English, TOEFL
• For studies in Szeged: TOEFL, good language skills in German and English

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

Master or Bachelor of Laws, "Erste Juristische Prüfung", or any other equivalent degree

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

The enrolment fee is currently about 260 EUR per semester and includes a semester ticket, which entitles students to use public transport in and around Dresden and regional trains within the federal state of Saxony. Additionally, it offers benefits (e.g. price reductions) for many cultural and leisure activities in Dresden.
The enrolment fee for the semester abroad is reduced to approx. 80 EUR.

Costs of living

The cost of living varies according to personal needs and preferences. However, about 700 EUR per month represents an average budget for a student in Dresden, including expenses for accommodation, food, items of everyday life, and insurance.
(This figure is relatively low compared to other big German cities.)

Funding opportunities within the university

The law firm Lippert, Stachow & Partner in Dresden offers a supplemental scholarship for the period of study in Dresden.
Students from Poland or the Czech Republic should apply for a scholarship from the Gesellschaft der Freunde und Förderer der TU Dresden e.V. (about 300 EUR per month for the period in Dresden).

Arrival support

The university provides counselling via e-mail and personal appointments regarding all matters related to arrival and living in Dresden. Guided campus tours are provided, as are welcome receptions. These receptions give new students the opportunity to meet other students and professors.
For PhD students and researchers, the Welcome Center also provides additional support services concerning visa issues, finding suitable accommodation, etc.

Services and support for international students

TU Dresden International Office offers a tutor network that helps new international students organise their studies. All international freshers are invited to an introduction day at the beginning of their first semester. They will meet their tutors on this day.
Furthermore, the International Office's cultural office and various student initiatives provide a plethora of social and cultural activities each semester (guided city tours, trips in the region and to other cities in Germany or neighbouring countries, language tandems, etc.).

Accommodation

Accommodation is available either via the Studentenwerk Dresden or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 280 EUR.
Private housing can be found online. We recommend moving into a hall of residence at the beginning of your stay in Dresden and later finding a place on the private market or in a shared apartment, known in German as a "Wohngemeinschaft".