This programme delivers an international, interdisciplinary education focused on intellectual property and competition law, designed to prepare lawyers and policy specialists for work at the crossroads of law, markets and emerging technologies. Its modular curriculum combines comprehensive legal training with timely analysis of policy and technological developments, emphasising how different areas of law interact within an innovation-driven economy. The course offers in-depth study across core subjects while allowing students to concentrate on specialised topics.
The degree is taught from an international perspective with particular attention to EU and US law, and it addresses both civil-law and common-law systems so graduates can operate across jurisdictions. Teaching takes place at the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition in Munich—often called the IP capital of Europe—benefiting from the institute’s extensive library and a vibrant community of independent legal scholars and economists. The programme is offered through a collaboration between the Max Planck Institute, the University of Augsburg, the Technical University of Munich and the George Washington University Law School.
Key facts and requirements
This two‑semester, modular programme combines introductory courses, mandatory core modules, a wide range of electives, a research thesis, and optional practical experience, plus numerous extracurricular events. Introductory courses at the start of the academic year introduce key concepts in intellectual property, related economic and legal issues, and academic/legal writing. Core (basic) modules follow immediately and run into the first part of the second semester, establishing a comprehensive foundation across intellectual property law, competition law and data law.
Elective modules begin toward the end of the first semester and continue through the second, offering advanced and specialised topics such as AI and policy, digital markets, and the economics of IP. From the end of the first semester students may begin work on their master’s thesis; theses are submitted in mid‑September. After submission, students may undertake an optional internship — the programme helps place students using a network of IP law firms, corporations and international organisations, including the European Patent Office (EPO), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The academic year is rounded off with a graduation ceremony and celebratory events.
Teaching is delivered mainly in intensive blocks over consecutive days, combining lectures with active student participation and case‑study work. This interactive format requires significant preparatory reading but fosters immediate engagement in discussion and debate. Extracurricular components—such as study visits to the EPO, guest lectures by leading practitioners and scholars, and social/scientific events—provide networking opportunities and practical insights into IP practice and policy.
Key learning outcomes include:
Requirements and key milestones
For a full list of modules and course descriptions, please consult the programme’s official website.
A completed Bachelor's degree (or recognized equivalent) is required for admission. While many students come from law, natural sciences, engineering, or management backgrounds, applicants with other prior degrees are also welcome. Admission decisions take into account both academic qualification and relevant professional experience.
If your first degree followed a three‑year structure (typically 180 ECTS), you must have additional post‑degree professional experience to make up for the shorter study duration—effectively requiring two years of experience in total. In all cases, professional experience must have been gained after completing your first university degree; work performed during undergraduate studies does not count. Acceptable forms of professional experience include paid employment, internships, postgraduate research assistantships, and work during a legal clerkship.
You must demonstrate a very good command of English (see the program’s language requirements). Applicants applying for DAAD EPOS funding must also meet the DAAD’s own eligibility rules—consult the DAAD website for details.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
30 April 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
30 April 2026
Graduates are prepared for specialist roles in intellectual property and competition law across law firms, corporate in-house counsel teams, regulatory bodies and international organisations (e.g. EPO, EUIPO, WIPO). The programme’s practical focus, optional internships and institutional network frequently lead to employment with internship sponsors and other employers in the IP sector.
Beyond traditional legal practice, alumni find opportunities in policy and regulatory work, compliance, technology and life-sciences companies, and consulting where combined legal, economic and technical understanding of innovation-driven markets is required. The curriculum’s comparative civil/common-law and EU/US emphasis supports careers that involve cross-jurisdictional practice, transnational transactions, and positions at international institutions or research organisations.
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