First Edition of the WIPO Joint Master’s / LL.M. Program in India Takes-off!

September 2, 2024

WIPO, the National Law University Delhi (NLUD) and the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks of India welcomed the first cohort of the new Joint Master’s Degree / Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Intellectual Property Law and Management on August 16, 2024. A colorful welcome ceremony was held at NLUD campus in Delhi, India for the 64 students from six countries.

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(From left to right) Professor (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai, Vice Chancellor of National Law University Delhi; Prof. Dr. V.K. Ahuja, Director of the Indian Law Institute; Honorable Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji (center); and Ms. Himani Pande, Additional Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, at the traditional lamp lighting ceremony on August 16, 2024 (Image:NLUD)

Honorable Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji, took part in the welcome ceremony in addition to Ms. Himani Pande, Additional Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Prof. Dr. V.K. Ahuja, Director, Indian Law Institute.

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Honorable Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankar (Image:NLUD)

This orientation program for the Joint Master’s and LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law and Management is a collaboration between NLU Delhi and the World Intellectual Property Organization. Congratulations on this convergence. Congratulations to all the student participants in this program. I'm confident you all will make the most of this opportunity. Intellectual property law and management are pivotal to innovation, economic growth, and the protection of creative endeavors, as well as safeguarding our ancient knowledge and research—the latter being more important.

Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji, Honorable Vice President of India
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As we launch this program, we mark a significant milestone in recognizing the critical role of intellectual property as a catalyst for innovation and economic growth. The WIPO Academy continues to enhance IP knowledge and skills for the benefit of all. By focusing on IP law and management, the Joint Master’s Degree / LL.M. in IP Program will equip students with expertise needed to manage IP assets and navigate its complexities. Our partnership with National Law University Delhi and the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks of India, marks a key step in creating a more inclusive and advanced IP ecosystem—bringing IP higher education to everyone, everywhere

Mr. Sherif Saadallah, Executive Director of the WIPO Academy
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The first cohort of students poses for a group photo with the guests of honor and organizers at the welcome ceremony at NLUD Campus on August 16, 2024 (Image: NLUD).

What does the Joint Master’s Degree / LL.M. in IP Law at NLUD cover?

Over the next year, the inaugural cohort will be taught by intellectual property (IP) experts to develop critical knowledge and skills needed for future careers in the IP field.

Students will cover a variety of topics addressing the fast-evolving field of IP and its interface with economics, innovation and management throughout the program, including:

  • IP management strategies;
  • IP licensing and contract management;
  • IP economics and innovation, including new business models; and
  • IP commercialization and technology transfer.

The program is delivered in-person at NLUD’s campus in Delhi, and follows a dual track format whereby students with a law background complete the LL.M. track and students with a non-law background follow the Master’s Degree track. Scholarships are offered by the WIPO Academy and Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global (FIT/Japan IP Global). The next edition of the program will open for registration in early 2025.

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