LLM in European and Transnational Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (LIPIT) University of Göttingen

The LLM in European and Transnational Law of Intellectual Property and Information Technology is a postgraduate programme directed at providing the in-depth understanding of legal issues that arise from the creation and use of literary or artistic works, mechanical or scientific inventions, digital information, and other intangible assets. It covers a wide variety of subjects, including copyright, patents, trademarks, telecommunications, electronic commerce, information security, and data protection.

Because it is more and more common for transactions with intellectual property and information technology products to transcend national boundaries, this LLM programme is conceived as distinctly international and comparative in nature. Solutions from various legal systems are often presented when examining modern problems of the Intellectual Property (IP) and Information Technology (IT) law, and cases spreading over two or more countries are regularly discussed and analysed. One consequence of such an approach is that this programme is suitable for lawyers and other professionals from different countries rather than being limited to one particular jurisdiction.

The branches of IP and IT law lie at the intersection of the law with technology, science, and arts. Therefore, even though this LLM programme has been primarily designed for lawyers wishing to work with creative and innovative industries, it is also open to engineers, computer scientists, media managers, and other professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of legal regulation, policies, and mechanisms of protection in the fields of intellectual property and information technology. As a result, the programme's participants can benefit from exchanging opinions, engaging in group projects, and other forms of cooperation with graduates of a wide range of disciplines, helping them to better understand different angles and perspectives of the topics they study.

Besides the wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds, we also strive to achieve diverse geographic representation in the selection of each year's programme participants. Such diversity enriches classroom discussions and collaborative activities by ensuring the exchange and application of ideas and approaches from various legal systems and cultural environments.

In order to gain your LLM degree, you will have to obtain at least 60 ECTS credits. Of these credits, 20 ECTS will be awarded for the completion of the individual Master's module, which involves the preparation and writing of a Master's thesis. The remaining 40 ECTS credits can be obtained by completing a sufficient number of group study modules, each of which equals to at least 5 ECTS. The list of modules can vary slightly from year to year, but the examples below generally provide a good idea of the available modules:

Fundamentals of Intellectual Property Law
Fundamentals of Information Technology Law
Advanced Intellectual Property Law
Advanced Information Technology Law
Competition/Antitrust Law
Unfair Competition Law
E-Commerce Law
Data Protection Law
Fundamentals of EU Law and German Legal System
Information Technology and Legal Informatics
International IP and IT Law
Conflict of Laws and Comparative IP and IT Law
Transnational IP Contracts
Transnational IT Projects
Transnational Enforcement of IP and IT Law

Our admission requirements are a Bachelor's or higher degree in law, computer science, engineering, media studies, or another subject plus one year of relevant professional experience. If you are still finishing your Bachelor's studies or have less than one year of professional experience when applying to the programme, it will not impede your application. It is only important that you complete your studies and have one year of professional experience before the beginning of the programme.

Since our students come from various countries with different grading systems, we do not formally require that you achieve a particular average grade in your previous studies (e.g. British first-class honours), but your grades will certainly constitute an important criterion in the evaluation process of applications.

Though our most typical applicants are law graduates, we also welcome applications from graduates from other disciplines as a way to ensure the diversity of backgrounds, skills, and experiences leading to fruitful and mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and ideas. If your previous field of study was not law, we may ask you to provide a short explanation of how your studies and/or professional experience are relevant to the specialisation of this Master's programme.

The professional experience requirement can be fulfilled through various practical activities, including internships and traineeships. For example, German law graduates' practical training ("Referendariat") satisfies this requirement. However, if a practical activity constituted a mandatory part of your Bachelor's programme, it cannot be counted as professional experience. In certain cases, admission can be granted to applicants with professional experience of less than one year. 

Fees are around 500 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaid semester ticket which entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge as well as regional buses. University of Göttingen students also receive discounts or free entry to many cultural events in the city. Meals are available at reduced prices at university canteens.

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 800 to 1,000 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. International students should note that it is not possible to study in Germany without sufficient financing.

Further information on the requirements for non-EU citizens (proof of finances) can be found on the Visa and Residence Permit page of the International Office.

Our LLM programme has built up a network of contacts with a number of law firms, companies, organisations, and authorities that might be interested in accepting our students and graduates as interns or employees from time to time. We cannot guarantee that you will be accepted as an intern or employee by any of these partners, but we can advise you on which law firm, company, or organisation might best suit your interests and facilitate your coming into contact with them.

A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de.

Please note that restrictions may apply depending on your scholarship or visa. Employment of non-EU students is subject to special regulations.

Non-EU students are permitted to work for a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

The Faculty of Law may award several scholarships amounting to partial or sometimes even full tuition waivers. In order to apply for such a scholarship, it is enough to indicate your interest in the appropriate field of the LLM application form.

The Career Service of the University of Göttingen offers individual support to facilitate your successful transition from the academic to the professional world — whether you want to work in Germany or abroad. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific "Career Impulse Sessions", workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme in “Building International Careers” as well as digital career tools and a virtual community for international employment opportunities: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/292.html.

Higher or lower accommodation costs can make a big difference in the total living expenses. Therefore, it is recommended to start looking for a room or apartment as soon as possible. If you apply early, you can get a room in one of the student dormitories, which is usually the cheapest option. A dormitory room can cost around 250 or 300 EUR per month. By contrast, on the private market you are likely to pay around 350 or 400 EUR for a room in a shared apartment or at least 600 EUR for a private apartment. This makes dormitory rooms very popular, so waiting lists are usually rather long. Thus, it is best to apply for a dormitory room at least half a year before the beginning of your studies in Göttingen.

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen to find accommodation in Göttingen and serves as a point of contact for queries. The service works together with the private market in Göttingen and the Student Services ("Studentenwerk"). As the amount of accommodations in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.
For further information, please see the following link: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/617883.html.

University of Göttingen — Committed to Excellence
Founded in 1737, the University of Göttingen is a research-driven university of high international standing. It is renowned for its diverse range of academic disciplines, research-oriented teaching, and outstanding scientific environment in which more than 45 Nobel laureates have studied, taught, or pursued their research. With about 27,300 students — more than 18 percent of whom are international — and more than 206 degree programmes, the university is one of the largest in Germany.

Variety of study programmes
The University of Göttingen offers a vast variety of academic programmes for undergraduate and graduate studies. Internationally renowned expert researchers teach in more than 40 academic disciplines. More than 40 full-time undergraduate and graduate programmes are taught entirely in English. Five International Max-Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) prepare students for unique careers in scientific research. Additionally, a growing number of double degree programmes with prestigious international universities  available.

Guidance, supervision, and study conditions
Students are given comprehensive advisory and supervisory support in all phases of their studies. Since advice and guidance are crucially important for the successful outcome of a university career, the University of Göttingen is constantly improving and extending its performance in this area.

Excellent library
The Göttingen State and University Library (SUB Göttingen) is one of Germany’s leading academic libraries, with holdings of over ten million books, journals, and other media. It offers a wide range of services to support study and research and plays a key role in numerous national and international projects focused on enhancing access to information and developing digital research infrastructures.

Alumni worldwide
As a member of Göttingen alumni, you will remain part of the international "Göttingen Family" even after your graduation. The alumni association connects alumni worldwide and keeps them informed about current developments at the university and in the city of Göttingen. Through online and offline events, workshops, career support and social projects, it offers numerous opportunities for networking, mentoring, and social commitment.

www.uni-goettingen.de/international-students

Göttingen — A Great Place to Live and Study

Göttingen, with a population of approximately 130,000, is a city where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly. Its beautifully preserved timber-framed houses in the historic city centre and the vibrant student population of the University of Göttingen — about 27,300 students — create a lively and welcoming atmosphere that’s hard to match.

The university’s departments and buildings are primarily located on two main campuses, all within easy walking or cycling distance. Student housing for around 4,700 individuals, along with excellent canteens operated by the student services organisation (Studierendenwerk), ensure high quality of life at a low cost.

The university maintains close collaboration with numerous non-university research institutions in Göttingen. Together, they form the Göttingen Campus—an alliance of leading research centres. This includes four Max Planck Institutes , the Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Lower Saxony, the German Primate Centre (DPZ), the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), and the University Medical Centre (UMG). This collaborative environment fosters openness and innovation, offering opportunities for students at all levels—Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD—to pursue fresh ideas alongside experienced researchers. Many scholars from these institutes also teach at the university, and joint professorial appointments help build strong links between the university and its campus partners. This unique structure reinforces Göttingen’s reputation as one of Germany’s most research-focused universities.

Located in the geographical centre of Germany and Europe, Göttingen enjoys excellent travel connections: Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt are each just a two-hour train ride away. But you don’t need to leave the city to enjoy a break—Göttingen offers a wide range of recreational and cultural activities. The city is home to three theatres, a symphony orchestra, multiple cinemas, cafés, and pubs, providing plenty of opportunities to meet new people and relax. You can also get involved with the student union, which organises a variety of cultural and recreational events throughout the year.

For sports enthusiasts, Göttingen and the university offer a wealth of opportunities. The University Sports Centre (Zentrale Einrichtung für Sport und Gesundheit) is one of the largest in Germany, offering more than 150 different activities at very affordable prices. Facilities include an indoor pool, the RoXx climbing centre, the FIZ fitness studio, and several outdoor sports fields—ensuring something for everyone. You can find the full overview on the official UniSport website.