University of Szeged

What you'll study

This LLM combines doctrinal study with comparative and policy-oriented perspectives on intellectual property (IP). You will study core areas such as copyright, trademarks, patents, designs and trade secrets, and explore cross-cutting topics including competition law, licensing, enforcement procedures and remedies. The course emphasises comparative analysis of Hungarian, EU and international IP regimes, and addresses contemporary challenges in digital markets, AI-generated works, biotechnology and traditional knowledge.

Typical modules and components include:

• Comparative Copyright Law — rights, exceptions, moral rights and technological protection measures across jurisdictions.
• Comparative Patent Law and Biotechnology — patentability, disclosure, inventive step, and regulatory interplay in life sciences.
• Trademarks, Designs and Unfair Competition — protection, dilution, and cross-border enforcement.
• Trade Secrets and Data Protection — protection of confidential information and interaction with privacy law.
• IP Enforcement and Dispute Resolution — civil, administrative and criminal remedies, provisional measures, and alternative dispute resolution.
• Licensing, Technology Transfer and Competition Law — contractual practice, antitrust constraints and standards-setting.
• Research Methods and Comparative Legal Analysis — doctrinal research skills and comparative methodology leading to a supervised dissertation or major research project.
• Practical Skills Workshops — mock litigation, drafting licences, IP due diligence and client counselling.

The programme is delivered through seminars, lectures, case studies and supervised research. Students are expected to complete assessments such as essays, case comments, practical exercises and a final dissertation or major research paper that demonstrates comparative analysis and original thinking.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised first degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent). Candidates with a degree in a related discipline (for example, technology, life sciences or business) combined with relevant work experience in IP may also be considered. Selection is based on academic achievement, relevant background and motivation.

Additional typical requirements include:

• Evidence of sufficient academic proficiency in legal research and writing.
• Competence in English demonstrated by a recognised language test or prior legal instruction in English, unless exempted by prior qualifications.
• A CV and personal statement outlining interest in comparative IP law and intended research topics.
• References from academic or professional referees.

Professional experience in IP practice, research, technology transfer offices, or industry is advantageous but not mandatory. Candidates may be interviewed as part of the admission process.

Career prospects

Graduates of this LLM pursue a wide range of careers in the public and private sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Private practice in IP law firms or international law firms advising on cross-border IP transactions, litigation and enforcement.
• In-house counsel roles in technology, pharmaceutical, media or manufacturing companies focusing on licensing, portfolio management and compliance.
• Positions in patent and trademark offices, regulatory agencies or competition authorities.
• Advisory and consultancy roles in technology transfer offices, innovation centres and IP strategy consultancies.
• Academic and research careers, postgraduate doctoral study or policy work with international organisations and NGOs involved in IP policy and development.

The programme’s comparative focus and practical components prepare graduates for roles that require cross-jurisdictional understanding and the ability to navigate EU and international IP systems.

Why study at University of Szeged

The University of Szeged has a long-standing faculty of law with research strengths in intellectual property, European integration and comparative law. Studying in Szeged gives you access to experienced academics and visiting practitioners from EU institutions and neighbouring jurisdictions, fostering a regional and international perspective. The university’s research centres and library resources support advanced study in IP, while practical workshops and links with local courts, patent agents and industry partners provide opportunities to apply legal theory to real-world problems.

Located in a dynamic academic city with an international student community, the programme offers a balance of rigorous scholarship and practical training suited to those aiming for specialised IP careers or further research.