MIPLC offers a unique and internationally focused LL.M. program in collaboration with four prestigious institutions: the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition, the University of Augsburg, the Technical University of Munich and the George Washington University Law School (Washington, D.C.). Our program equips students with the expertise and skills to navigate the complexities of intellectual property, data law, digital innovation, and competitive markets in a global context.
Our mission is to provide an innovative and comprehensive education that empowers future leaders to shape innovation processes with a focus on human-centered values, whether they work in private practice, businesses, courts, government, non-governmental agencies or research organizations.
The program's structure enabled us to form meaningful friendships based on shared interests, creating a valuable network of specialists from which I continue to benefit.
Alumna
Class of 2013/14
Azerbaijan
MIPLC reshaped me into an IP expert and instilled both self-belief as well as the confidence others have in me.
Alumna
Class of 2011/12
World-Class Education with a focus on EU and U.S. law, highlighting the impact of digitalization, artificial intelligence, data, intellectual property, and competition law in driving innovation in today’s innovation-driven economy.
International and Interdisciplinary Experience with a diverse faculty and student body from around the world.
Small Class Sizes designed to foster an enriching learning atmosphere with dynamic exchanges among highly qualified students.
Global Community of students, faculty and alumni.
Modern Learning Environment equipped with the latest technology for both in-person and remote learning.
The World's Largest IP Library located at the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition, offering an incredible range of books, journals, and access to electronic databases.
Tutorials offering personalized guidance and support, tailored to help you deepen your understanding of key concepts and refine your skills through small group interactions with alumni experts.
Internship & Career Development Support with opportunities to connect with high-level representatives of law firms, corporations, IP institutions, and academia.
At MIPLC, our vibrant and diverse student body consists of early-to-mid career professionals from fields such as law, economics, engineering, and the natural sciences. Our students are passionate about exploring future innovation processes in compliance with human-centered values, whether they work in private practice, courts, businesses, government, non-governmental agencies, or research organizations. Their commitment to becoming experts in intellectual property, the data-driven economy, and emerging technologies, combined with their diverse expertise, creates a dynamic and enriching learning environment.
For insights into our alumni's achievements post-graduation, please visit our Meet our Alumni page.
At MIPLC, our relentless pursuit is to provide our students with the finest program imaginable. To achieve this, we employ a multifaceted approach, harmonizing quality standards with a global perspective and a culture of continuous innovation.
In 2022, our LL.M. program was successfully accredited for the third time in its 20-year history. A committee of expert evaluators reaffirmed the program’s elite and distinctive status, recognizing its unwavering commitment to excellence in legal education and research. This accreditation underscores MIPLC’s dedication to maintaining the highest academic standards and its leadership in the field of intellectual property and competition law.
At MIPLC, we're committed to enhancing our program continually. We've implemented a robust course and program evaluation system where students provide feedback through standardized forms after each course. The results are analyzed and shared with both the respective lecturers as well as future generations of MIPLC students.
Our governance is structured efficiently with two distinct boards, each playing a crucial role in overseeing MIPLC's management and receiving valuable input from the international scientific and professional community. These boards are the Project Board and the Scientific Advisory Board.
MIPLC was founded in 2003, inspired by the vision of Professor Gerhard Schricker, former Director of the Max Planck Institute for Intellectual Property and Competition Law, with support from Professor Joseph Straus and the Max Planck Society. Partnering with the University of Augsburg, Technical University of Munich, and The George Washington University Law School, MIPLC officially launched on March 17, 2003. With backing from the Bavarian Ministry for Science, Research, and the Arts, the program gained swift approval, and by October 2003, we welcomed our first students and international faculty.
To learn more about our partners, please visit Our Founding Partners page.
In October 2003, MIPLC achieved a ground-breaking milestone, firmly establishing our program as a beacon of international legal education. Attracting students from eight countries across five continents, this marked a momentous step in our commitment to nurturing a global community of legal scholars.
In August 2004, the MIPLC achieved a remarkable milestone that fills us with pride. We commemorated the graduation of our inaugural class, an unforgettable moment as 13 accomplished students received the prestigious "Master of Laws" degree conferred by the esteemed University of Augsburg, establishing a strong foundation for the excellence in legal education that defines MIPLC today.
As we commemorated this achievement, we reflected on a year filled with challenges and hard work, laying the cornerstone for the remarkable journey that followed. The second class, consisting of 18 students from 13 countries, marked the beginning of our continual growth in the years to come.
In furtherance of our commitment to fostering international partnerships, the MIPLC proudly became a contributing institution to the prestigious ECAP II program. As a result, during the winter term of 2004/2005, we warmly welcomed seven scholars from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) into our LL.M. program. This collaborative initiative enriched our educational community, promoting cultural exchange, broadening perspectives on intellectual property and innovation, and reaffirming our dedication to international cooperation.
In 2008, we reached a major milestone by enrolling 30 new students for the first time, while simultaneously working on our accreditation, a process that we successfully completed. Today, we proudly count over 500 alumni from nations across Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Asia.
In March 2013, MIPLC proudly marked its 10th anniversary, a significant milestone in our journey of fostering excellence in intellectual property and competition law. To celebrate this momentous occasion, we introduced the MIPLC Alumni Scholarship, a testament to the strength and success of our vibrant alumni community.
After a decade of growth, both in numbers and professional expertise, our alumni community was ready to support a new generation of ambitious IP professionals.
The MIPLC Alumni Scholarship was established to provide a unique opportunity for a deserving young talent to join our esteemed program.
Since then, the Alumni Network has flourished, boasting over 500 members and an impressive array of successful careers and employers. Looking ahead, our long-term vision is to fund a full tuition waiver annually for outstanding LL.M. candidates. As a current stepping-stone toward this goal, we proudly offer a 50% waiver, reflecting our commitment to nurturing future leaders in intellectual property and competition law.
In March 2023, MIPLC joyously celebrated its 20th anniversary, a testament to two decades of excellence in intellectual property and competition law education. For the first time, MIPLC launched an engaging online celebratory campaign that showcased the heart of our community—alumni, staff, board members, and friends. Throughout the year, inspiring stories and pictures were shared, creating a vibrant tapestry that celebrated our past and fueled the aspirations of future MIPLC students and alumni.
The grand finale in December 2023 was a celebratory slide show featuring all who participated, providing a visual testament to the enduring spirit of MIPLC.
Additionally, in July 2023, MIPLC inaugurated the Career Talks series with Hee-Eun Kim, MIPLC Class of 2009/10. This series serves as a platform where distinguished MIPLC alumni and industry professionals share their experiences and unique paths to success. The inaugural event was a resounding success, highly attended and celebrated. This dual celebration reflects MIPLC's commitment to honoring its legacy while continuing to inspire and guide the next generation of leaders in intellectual property and competition law.
