WIPO & its partners launch 6th session of LLM in IP

Geneva, September 11, 2006
Press Updates UPD/2006/278

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) launched the sixth session of the Master of Laws (LLM) in Intellectual Property, a joint post-graduate program in intellectual property (IP) offered by the WIPO Worldwide Academy, the University of Turin and the International Labour Organisation, International Training Center (ILO-ITC) on September 4, 2006, at the ILO-ITC in Turin, Italy with 38 students from across the globe participating in the 2006/2007 program.

At the opening ceremony, Professor Marco Ricolfi, Program Chairman and Professor at the University of Turin, welcomed the participants and outlined the objectives of the program, which include providing the skills necessary to play a leading role in the teaching and practice of intellectual property. Representatives of the Province of Turin, the Commune of Turin as well as the United Nations System Staff College, and the ILO ITC also made welcoming remarks. Mr. Michele Dell'Utri, Councilor for International Relations and Cooperation of the Municipality of Turin, speaking on behalf of the Municipality, noted that the Master of Laws was testimony to the quality of education offered by the University of Turin and its positive relationship with international organizations.

The Dean of the WIPO Worldwide Academy, Mr. Mpazi Sinjela, outlined initiatives by WIPO to enhance the development of human resources in the field of IP. Mr. Sinjela said the program's curriculum is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to support national efforts to use IP as a tool for development.

Every year, WIPO awards 20 scholarships to students from developing countries to participate in the program.

The LLM program with the University of Turin comprises three phases: distance learning, a residential phase and the writing of a thesis. During the residential phase at the ILO-ITC in Turin the Masters program is taught by world-renowned faculty drawn from universities around the world. This phase also includes a one-week study visit to WIPO headquarters from November 20 to 24, 2006 during which students follow a lecture program and have an opportunity to meet WIPO experts. Upon satisfactory completion of the three phases, students will receive a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property.

The launch of the sixth session of the Masters program reflects the commitment of both the WIPO Academy and the University of Turin to excellence in the teaching of intellectual property. Since its establishment in 2000, this joint Masters program has trained over 160 students.

For more information about the Masters program please visit the WIPO Worldwide Academy website: https://www.wipo.int/academy/en/ or the University of Turin web link: www.turin-ip.com. or contact the Media Relations and Public Affairs Section: Tel: (+41 22) 338 8161 or 338 9547 Fax: (+4122) 338 8280; e-mail: publicinf@wipo.int.