Written by Jade Nicolson, LLM in Legal Practice Student at The College of Legal Practice
In this article, I’ve shared my honest experiences and reflections on studying this module in hopes of it helping future students understand what is involved in the module and what studying at the College is like.
Introduction to the module
When I enrolled in the Intellectual Property (IP) module as part of my LLM postgraduate studies with The College of Legal Practice, I was looking to deepen my understanding of a field I knew was an area of interest and constantly evolving. As someone still exploring which area of law I’d like to qualify in, I saw this as a perfect chance to dive into a subject I was genuinely curious about. With limited legal work experience, I’ve found modules like this invaluable - not only for helping me discover what areas of law I enjoy, but also for building practical skills that will really benefit me in future legal practice. This course not only exceeded my expectations but also gave me a glimpse into the kind of real-world legal work I aim to engage in post-qualification.
Course content and structure
The module offered comprehensive coverage of both foundational and advanced IP topics. Over the course of the term, we explored eight units covered:
- Copyright law: including ownership, duration, and infringement
- Unregistered and registered design rights: understanding the legal framework for protecting aesthetic aspects of products
- Trade marks and grounds for refusal: from brand protection to issues of confusion and distinctiveness
- Passing off and patents
Despite being delivered online, the module was interactive and well-paced, making it easy to stay engaged and motivated.
Teaching and learning methods
Unlike my undergraduate LLB, where much of the learning was lecture-based and often theoretical, the LLM IP module was much more hands-on and engaging. Each week involved two practical tasks, typically framed around a hypothetical client scenario.
These tasks involved things like drafting copyright licenses, advising on design protection, or assessing the likelihood of trade mark registration. Each unit also included a mix of readings, short videos or podcasts, and a weekly feedback session with the course supervisor - all of which helped bring the law to life and apply it in a professional context.
Example of specific scenarios and client interactions I faced in the module
In this scenario, I received an email from my ‘supervisor’ outlining a query from a hypothetical client; a UK-based designer who had created a new product they believed to be unique in the market. A product image was attached, and my task was to assess the situation and respond accordingly.
The first step involved conducting a market comparison to determine whether similar designs already existed. I then had to analyse which forms of intellectual property protection, such as unregistered design right and registered designs, might apply to the product.
But the task didn’t stop at legal analysis. I also had to factor in commercial considerations: Would it be worthwhile for the client to pursue registration? Would the potential benefits outweigh the costs and time involved? This meant thinking beyond the law and putting myself in the client’s shoes- weighing profitability, practicality, and strategy alongside legal rights.
Finally, I had to draft a client-facing response that communicated all this information clearly, professionally, and in a client friendly way.
Assessments and feedback
Assessments consisted of:
- Portfolio of weekly tasks
- A written reflective essay
The reflective component pushed me to evaluate my own learning journey - an exercise I found unexpectedly rewarding. It helped me see how far I had come in terms of confidence, clarity, and professional readiness.
Feedback throughout the module was constructive, supporting my continuous improvement and ultimately contributing to my achievement of a Distinction.
Knowledge and skills gained
This module taught me so much more than just the black-letter law of intellectual property. Week by week, I was building real-world skills that felt genuinely useful - the kind you'd need working in a law firm or advising clients directly. I learned how to explain complex legal ideas in plain English (a lot harder than it sounds!), how to draft contracts like copyright licenses and how to break down tricky cases to get to the heart of the legal issue. I also found myself becoming much more confident in my own legal judgment and writing.
Personal reflection
Looking back, I can say that this was the most engaging and professionally useful legal module I’ve taken to date. The shift from the more academic nature of the LLB to the applied, client-focused work of the LLM was refreshing. It made me realise how much I enjoy the process of problem-solving within a legal framework, and how impactful IP law can be in protecting ideas, creativity, and commercial interests.
Conclusion
The Intellectual Property module is a standout part of the LLM programme. It offers a balance of academic insight and practical skill-building that’s incredibly valuable for anyone considering a future in law, especially in areas linked to branding, media, design, or technology.
While I’m proud to have achieved a Distinction, what I value most is discovering an area of law I’m truly passionate about - one I now plan to explore further through my Dissertation project in the LLM.
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