Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce.
Intellectual property is a term for any intangible asset, something proprietary that doesn't exist as a physical object but has value.
IP is protected in law by, for example, patents, copyright and trademarks, which enable people to earn recognition or financial benefit from what they invent or create.
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law in the following subject areas:
There are many courses in Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law that may take place over a few days, weeks or even 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials and taught modules. Assessments will take place on a continuous basis with written examinations and practical assignments combined in order to achieve a qualification.
You could also consider work experience or a work shadow in the industry. Getting relevant work experience with patent firms is challenging due to the confidential nature of the work. Although opportunities are rare, internships lasting one to two weeks do exist. These internships will give you the opportunity to find out more about the role.
Relevant work experience is a good way of demonstrating a genuine interest in the field and is regarded favourably by employers.
After completing an Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law course you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of intellectual property laws and procedures.
As a patent attorney, you'll assess whether inventions are new and innovative, and therefore eligible to be patented. You will be specially trained in drafting patents and with knowledge of intellectual property law will be able to lead individual inventors or companies through the required process to obtain a patent and then act to enforce inventors' rights if patents are infringed.
Patent attorneys are typically employed by law firms in private practice, the law department of large industrial companies and government departments.
Although your work activities are more or less the same wherever you work, when working in private practice you'll be working for a range of clients represented by the law firm, while in government or industry, you will typically just have one employer.
Working hours will depend on whether you are self-employed, employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various businesses or companies. Generally, hours are Monday to Friday, nine to five, but you may need to work extra hours to meet deadlines.
After completing a course in Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skill set. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practice in certain career areas such as International Law, Engineering and Design or even Manufacturing.
What are the four basic types of Intellectual Property?
There are 4 main types of Intellectual Property:
Patents – Inventors are granted the exclusive right to a physical invention, a design, a process, or a unique improvement to one of the above.
Copyrights – People who create original material have the exclusive right to the material they created. However, the creator can allow someone else to use the material.
Trademarks – These symbols, phrases, or logos help separate one company’s products or services from another. Consumers and customers identify companies through their trademarks.
Trade Secrets – A company’s confidential information can provide unique advantages or economic benefits, often giving them a competitive advantage.
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