Intellectual Property

In an era of rapid technological advancement, intangible assets have become a crucial part of the global economy. Intellectual property not only protects the rights of creators but also fosters innovation and fair competition. So, what is the Intellectual Property major? What career opportunities does it offer? Let’s explore in the following article.

Program Introduction

Intellectual property (IP) may seem abstract, but it is closely related to our daily lives. For example, the TV drama In the Name of the People attracted significant attention due to its high viewership and audience recognition. However, before its initial broadcast had even concluded, pirated versions appeared online, sparking public condemnation and prompting the production team and television station to issue a joint statement against online infringement.

As consumers, we constantly benefit from others’ intellectual creations in our daily lives—whether reading books, watching movies, listening to music, or even traveling by plane, high-speed rail, or subway, all of which involve the application of intellectual property.

Intellectual Property (IP) refers to the property rights granted over intellectual creations, covering various aspects of human civilization, including but not limited to works of authorship, inventions, utility models, industrial designs, trademarks, geographical indications, trade secrets, layout designs of integrated circuits, and new plant varieties. Since intellectual property involves intangible assets, its protection primarily relies on legal frameworks, with three fundamental laws: Copyright Law, Trademark Law, and Patent Law.

In the era of information and globalization, market competition is no longer solely based on tangible resources but has gradually shifted towards intangible assets. Intellectual property has become a key component of corporate and national competitiveness. Developed countries now regard intellectual property as a critical factor in future market competition.

Program Objectives

This program aims to cultivate well-rounded professionals with a solid theoretical foundation in law and legal thinking skills. Students will develop systematic knowledge of intellectual property law and practical legal expertise while fostering strong personal ethics and a deep sense of legal responsibility. Graduates can pursue careers in the following areas:

• Law firms, patent agencies, and trademark agencies: Engaging in intellectual property litigation, patent agency, trademark agency, and related legal affairs.

• Judicial institutions (courts, procuratorates, and public security authorities): Handling intellectual property judicial trials and other legal matters.

• Enterprises and administrative organizations: Managing, operating, and protecting intellectual property rights.

Graduation Requirements

Competency Requirements

• Love for socialist China, support for the leadership of the Communist Party of China, and mastery of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the "Three Represents" important thought, the Scientific Outlook on Development, and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

• A scientific worldview, correct values and outlook on life, as well as strong ethical, social, and professional morals.

• Strong humanistic literacy, modern awareness, and high-level professional competence, along with mastery of fundamental skills and legal thinking.

• Good physical and mental health, meeting national requirements for university students' physical education and military training standards.

Skills Requirements

• Strong self-learning ability, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in information technology applications.

• Ability to comprehensively apply legal theories and intellectual property expertise to solve problems related to intellectual property, law, and technology.

• Innovative spirit, creative thinking, and research capabilities.

• Mastery of literature retrieval and data query methods, with proficient analytical skills.

Knowledge Requirements

• Proficiency in a foreign language and basic computer application knowledge.

• Comprehensive understanding of fundamental legal concepts, theories, and systems.

• Familiarity with fundamental knowledge in science and engineering, integrating intellectual property protection with technological innovation.

• Mastery of intellectual property protection, management, utilization, and service systems.

Core Courses

• Jurisprudence

• Constitutional Law

• Criminal Law

• Civil Law

• Administrative Law and Administrative Litigation Law

• Criminal Procedure Law

• Civil Procedure Law

• Patent Law

• Trademark Law

• Copyright Law

• Competition Law

• Company Law

• General Introduction to Intellectual Property

• International Protection of Intellectual Property

• Frontiers in Intellectual Property

• Thematic Debates

• Introduction to Economics

• Intellectual Property Information Retrieval

• Intellectual Property Management

• Intellectual Property Agency

• Intellectual Property Comprehensive Simulation Training

• Intellectual Property Litigation Practice

Research Directions

The main research directions in the Intellectual Property program include:

• Intellectual Property Theory: Examining fundamental principles and trends in intellectual property development.

• Copyright Law: Exploring the mechanisms for protecting authors' rights and legal practices.

• Patent Law: Addressing patent authorization, rights protection, and innovative applications.

• Trademark Law: Studying trademark registration, protection, and brand-related legal issues.

• Anti-Unfair Competition Law: Analyzing market competition regulations and legal safeguards.

• International Intellectual Property Law: Examining transnational intellectual property protection systems.

• Intellectual Property Judiciary Research: Investigating judicial precedents and applications in intellectual property cases.

• Intellectual Property and Cultural Industries: Covering intellectual property management in film, music, publishing, and other industries.

• Intellectual Property and the Internet: Researching legal regulations and protection mechanisms for intellectual property in digital environments.

Degree Awarded

Students who meet graduation requirements and satisfy the criteria for degree conferral will be awarded a bachelor's degree.

Career Prospects

Graduates in Intellectual Property can pursue careers in various fields related to intellectual property management and protection, including but not limited to:

• Judicial Institutions (courts, procuratorates): Engaging in intellectual property-related judicial trials and legal work.

• Administrative Agencies (market regulation, intellectual property management departments): Handling intellectual property administrative management, policy formulation, and enforcement.

• Technology and Innovation Enterprises: Managing patent applications, technology transfers, trademarks, and brand protection.

• Research Institutions: Conducting intellectual property academic research and policy analysis.

• Law Firms and Intellectual Property Intermediary Institutions: Providing legal consultation, litigation representation, and commercial negotiations.

Further Studies

Graduates may choose to pursue further studies in Intellectual Property, Law, or a Master of Laws (LL.M.) program to enhance their professional expertise. Those interested in academic research may opt for a doctoral degree, leading to careers in universities or research institutions.

Main Career Positions

• Civil Servant (Government Departments, Intellectual Property Management Agencies)

• Intellectual Property Legal Assistant

• Intellectual Property Consultant

• Corporate Legal Affairs Specialist/Assistant

• Intellectual Property Examiner

• Intellectual Property Manager

• Intellectual Property Litigation Agent

Related Majors

• Law

• Penology

• Credit Risk Management and Legal Prevention

• International Economic and Trade Rules

• Judicial Police Studies

• Community Corrections

• Discipline Inspection and Supervision

• International Law

• Forensic Science

• National Security Studies

• Overseas Interest Security

Top Universities

The following universities have strong academic reputations and influence in the field of Intellectual Property:

• East China University of Political Science and Law

• Southwest University of Political Science and Law

• South China University of Technology

• Zhongnan University of Economics and Law

• Xiangtan University

• Jinan University

• Chongqing University

• Anhui University

• Shanghai University of Political Science and Law

• China Jiliang University

• Hunan Normal University

• Soochow University

• Zhejiang Gongshang University

• Lanzhou University

• Shanghai University

• Yantai University

• Nanchang University

• Northwest University

• Dalian University of Technology

• Henan University of Economics and Law

• Gansu University of Political Science and Law

• Xinjiang University

• Jiangsu University

• Nanjing Tech University

• North China University of Technology

• Guangxi University for Nationalities

• Hangzhou Normal University

• Henan Normal University

• Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications

• Guilin University of Electronic Technology