Location:

Munich, Germany

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

Our course in international IP law features lecturers from the Max Planck Institute and the University of Munich, as well as IP attorneys in Munich. Also included are visits to key institutions such as the European and German patent offices, and to multinational companies.

In addition to the classroom experience, students have the opportunity to witness an actual oral proceeding at the European Patent Office and visit the international headquarters of BMW. A visit to one of the beautiful castles located at a nearby lake provides perspective on the rich cultural history of Bavaria.

The focus of this program is on European and German intellectual property systems, with some comparative reference to U.S. systems. Patenting systems are explored in some depth. However, no expertise or prior background is needed for the course work. The course is designed as an introduction for the generalist as well as those seeking to specialize eventually in intellectual property law. The academic component of the program consists of three principal areas of concentration. In the Comparative Patent Law portion of the class, students will learn about the basic features of United States and European patent systems, including patentability, determination of prior art, effective priority, inventorship, and scope of protection.The second portion of the class will focus on Law and Policy Development in the European Union. Students will examine the process for harmonizing the legal standards of intellectual property in the member states of the European Union. Case studies include a review of the proposed computer software directive, database protection, biotechnology patents, copyright, and issues pertaining to the Internet. Finally, students will learn about European Patent Procurement, Litigation, and Licensing. Students review the procedures for filing and prosecuting patent applications in the European Patent Office and for perfecting a patent grant into national patents.

Setting Description:

Munich, situated on the Isar River near the Alps, is home to a major university, the University of Munich. Munich is a focal point of both German and European intellectual property law. The Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Patent, Copyright and Competition Law is located in Munich, as are the European Patent Office, the German Patent Office, and the German Patent Court. A large number of high-technology companies are located in or near Munich.

Cost:

$1000 per unit