Jagiellonian University

What you'll study

The programme combines core intellectual property subjects with modules addressing the legal implications of new and emerging technologies. Teaching balances doctrinal study with practical skills work so students learn both the rules and how they are applied in professional contexts.

• Foundations of Intellectual Property Law — principles of copyright, patents, trademarks and designs and their policy underpinnings.
• Patent Law and Practice — patentability, claim drafting basics, prosecution and enforcement strategies (with a focus on technical subject matter).
• Copyright and Related Rights — authorship, exceptions and limitations, digital reproduction and rights management.
• Trademarks, Unfair Competition and Trade Secrets — protection strategies, brand management and remedies.
• Technology, Innovation and the Law — legal issues arising from AI, blockchain, software, Internet of Things and other emerging technologies.
• Data Protection and Privacy — legal frameworks for personal data, compliance obligations and interactions with IP rights.
• Licensing, Commercialisation and Technology Transfer — negotiating and drafting licences, assignment, IP valuation and university–industry collaboration.
• Regulation of Digital Markets — competition law interfaces, platform liability and consumer protection online.
• Practical Skills and Clinics — case studies, drafting exercises, moot or mock negotiations, and opportunities for client-facing clinics or placements where available.
• Research Methods and Optional Project — independent project or dissertation on a topic linking IP and new technologies, supervised by academic staff.

Modules are typically delivered through seminars, workshops, guest lectures from practitioners and assessed by a combination of written coursework, practical exercises and a final research project.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a first degree in law, or a relevant bachelor’s degree in a technical, scientific, economic or business subject together with demonstrable interest or experience in legal aspects of technology. Typical requirements include:

• A completed undergraduate degree from a recognised institution;
• Evidence of academic transcripts and a personal statement explaining motivation for the programme;
• Relevant professional experience or internships are advantageous for applicants without a law degree;
• Some programmes may require proof of proficiency in the language of instruction (for example, English) where applicable;
• References or a short interview may be requested for shortlisted candidates.

Specific entry requirements can vary; applicants should check the programme page or contact admissions for definitive guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates use the Graduate Diploma as preparation for a range of roles that bridge law, business and technology. Common career paths include:

• In‑house IP advisor or IP manager in technology, creative or industrial companies;
• Patent or trademark paralegal and, for candidates with suitable technical backgrounds, a route towards qualifying as a patent attorney;
• Legal counsel or compliance officer focusing on data protection and digital regulation;
• Technology transfer officer, licensing manager or commercialisation specialist in universities and research organisations;
• Policy advisor, regulatory analyst or consultant on intellectual property, innovation and digital markets;
• Further academic study at master’s or doctoral level in IP, technology law or related interdisciplinary fields.

The programme’s applied focus and links with practitioners help graduates gain practical experience valued by law firms, corporate legal departments, public institutions and technology businesses.

Why study at Jagiellonian University

Jagiellonian University is one of Central Europe’s oldest universities with a well‑established Faculty of Law and Administration and a strong tradition of legal scholarship. The university combines rigorous academic teaching with practitioner engagement, offering access to academic experts in intellectual property and technology law as well as visiting lecturers from the legal and business communities.

Located in Kraków, the university benefits from proximity to a dynamic local and regional technology sector, courts and governmental institutions, which supports guest lectures, internships and networking opportunities. The programme’s small seminar groups and emphasis on practical exercises provide an environment suited to professionals and recent graduates seeking specialised, career‑relevant training at postgraduate level.