Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Intellectual Property and Trade Law is a post-graduate degree in Law that can be earned in one or two years. It is made for people who already have an LL.B. or a similar law degree. Students learn more about certain areas of the law in this class, especially those that have to do with intellectual property rights, creativity, technology and global trade. Patents, copyrights, logos, international trade deals, WTO laws and digital IP rules are some of the things that students study.
To get into the LL.M. program in Intellectual Property and Trade Law, students must have either a 3-year LL.B. or a 5-year combined law degree from a recognised university, with a minimum score of 50–55% (with some exceptions for students from certain groups). Mostly, national-level law entrance exams like CLAT-PG, AILET-PG, LSAT India or DU LL.M. are used to get into these institutes. Some private universities may also have their own application exams, interviews, or writing tests as part of the process of getting students to join.
The course fee of this specialised LL.M. course can range from INR 1,000,000 to INR 15,000,000, based on the college or university. The fees at government law schools are generally lower. On the other hand, the fees at private or foreign law schools may be higher because they offer better facilities, more opportunities and the chance to study abroad. Some of the best colleges are NIMS University, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), National Law School of India University, Alliance University, Sharda University, and others.
Professionals of LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law can work as Legal Advisor, Judiciary (Judge, Magistrate), Corporate Lawyer, Legal Consultant, Legal Analyst. They can earn between INR 3-5 LPA as freshers, and with experience the earning rises gradually.
Table of Contents
- LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law Key Highlights
- What is an LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law?
- Why Study LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law?
- Who should study for LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law?
- LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law Eligibility Criteria
- LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law Entrance Exams 2025
- LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law Colleges in India
- LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law Admission Process 2025
- LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law Syllabus
- LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law vs. LLM in Intellectual Property Law
- LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law Job Opportunities in India
- LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law FAQs
LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law Key Highlights
Below are the key highlights of the Master of Laws course in India:
What is an LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law?
An LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law is a 1-2 year specialized postgraduate law degree that provides advanced knowledge of the legal frameworks governing the protection, management, and enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights—including copyrights, patents, trademarks, and designs—alongside the laws and policies regulating international trade
The program explores how laws protect concepts, brands, works of art, and business practices in a world that is becoming more connected and digital. International agreements like those for the WTO and WIPO teach students how trade and intellectual property rights are treated. This also helps them understand how trade rules are affected by things like patents, copyrights, logos, regional markings and new issues such as digital hacking and cross-border licensing.
Why Study LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law?
People who want to become well-known in intellectual property law and international trade law might want to get an LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Trade Law. Around the world, these two areas of law are becoming more and more important very quickly. This degree will help people who want to become lawyers get ahead in the tough field of law. It could teach them how to handle intellectual property cases, how to do business across countries, or how to teach and learn global trade law.
- In company legal offices, patent and brand law firms, foreign trade groups, government agencies and policy think tanks, it makes it easier to get hired for higher positions.
- Case studies, internships, workshops and dissertation projects based on real events help students improve their critical law study, analysis, and writing skills.
- Helps students to learn more about important areas of law, like patent law, copyright law, trademark law, digital IP, WTO rules and international trade deals.
- Builds a good academic and professional foundation for people who want to get a Ph.D. in law, teach, or do academic study in intellectual property and trade law.
Who should study for LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law?
Individuals who already hold a law degree and wish to learn more about how business, intellectual property, and foreign law are connected may want to pursue an LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Trade Law. Individuals and businesses who want to learn more about the law and get better at certain areas of it should consider this school. This program does a great job for:
- People who want to learn a lot about trade law or intellectual property law. If a student likes studying patents, copyrights, or international business law for their LL.B, this LL.M. gives them the chance to focus on those areas even more and learn more about them.
- Legal workers and lawyers who want to move up in their jobs. With this degree, you can get specialised jobs in IP litigation, cross-border trade compliance or legal consulting for businesses that are driven by innovation. You can work in a law company, on a corporate legal team, or in the government.
- People who like to write legal papers, study, and teach. If you like to write research papers, study the law in depth, or break down difficult legal systems, this LL.M. might be useful for you. You might also be able to get your Ph.D. or work as a professor or legal expert in IP and trade law.
LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law Eligibility Criteria
To enroll in a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property and Trade Law, candidates have to meet some educational and admission requirements. Without fulfilling these criteria, it is not possible to enter the course. Mentioned below are the LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law eligibility criteria:
- Must have completed a 3-year LLB or a 5-year integrated BA LLB/BSc LLB/BBA LLB degree from a recognized university.
- Should have secured at least 50–60% aggregate marks in the qualifying law degree (minimum may vary by institution; reserved categories may get relaxation).
- Admission is typically through national or university-level entrance exams such as CLAT-PG, AILET, or institution-specific tests.
- Some institutions may require a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and/or conduct interviews or group discussions as part of the selection process.
- Candidates awaiting final results can apply but must provide proof of qualification at the time of admission.
LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law Entrance Exams 2025
For pursuing a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property and Trade Law in India, various national/state/university-level entrance examinations are required to be taken. Colleges and Universities in India offer admission depending on the marks or rank obtained in these examinations.
Also read about LLM in Taxation Law
LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law Colleges in India
Various institutions in India are offering the Master of Laws in Intellectual Property and Trade Law course; each institute has got some entrance exam criteria for admitting students. Some of the top Master of Laws in Intellectual Property and Trade Law programs in India have been mentioned below, along with their total course fee, NIRF Ranking, and entrance exams required for admission:
LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law Admission Process 2025
The admission to LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law is based on the entrance exams like CLAT, AILET etc. Students need to appear for the national level examination in order to pursue the Master of Laws from a reputable university. However, some universities also provide admission on the basis of University Level test or Merit. Given below is the step by step admission process for the Parul University:
Step 1: Go to the official site for law entrance exams like CLAT. Sign up by giving your personal and educational details. After registration, you will get a confirmation email or SMS with a link to complete your application.
Step 2: Fill the application form with your education history, achievements and career goals. Upload your 10th and 12th mark sheet, degree certificate or latest results, passport-shaped photos and any required category certificate. See everything before submitting.
Step 3: If your university requests this, submit your application online or personally. Some may require you to bring paper documents for verification on interview day, so prepare them.
Step 4: You may need an entrance examination like CLAT or LSAT to test your legal logic, English, general knowledge and logic. Some schools may also discuss interviews or groups later.
Step 5: Once the result is over, the shortlisted candidates will be invited for counseling or direct entry based on their rank and selected colleges. Schools will consider your exam score, interview results and application details for final selection.
Step 6: If selected, you will receive an admit card after one week of the selection round, or via email through the university portal. This letter will include your course fee, hostel information and orientation schedule.
Step 7: To secure your location, pay the entry fee mentioned in the letter and any deposit in the letter before the time limit.
Required Documents:
- 10th and 12th mark sheets
- Graduation Marksheets
- ID proofs
- Transfer certificate
- Character certificate
- Medical certificate
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law Syllabus
The syllabus for LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law in India is more or less the same in the colleges offering the course. The syllabus may slightly differ depending on the curriculum followed by the institute. For reference, the syllabus for LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law at Christ University is given below:
LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law vs. LLM in Intellectual Property Law
An LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law and an LLM in Intellectual Property Rights are both specialized postgraduate law degrees, but they differ in scope and focus. The difference between them have been given below:
LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law Job Opportunities in India
Master of Laws graduates can have job roles in multiple fields, including Legal Advisor, Judiciary (Judge, Magistrate), Corporate Lawyer and others. Some of the common job roles for LLM graduates in India are given below:
Planning to move to management roles in Law firms, check MBA Intellectual Property Rights
LLM in Intellectual Property and Trade Law FAQs
What kinds of projects do L.L.M. Do students do?
LLM students do a lot of advanced legal study, write dissertations, look at hard case law and work on policy papers. They also attend lectures and lessons on legal writing and sometimes they help teachers with academic papers.
Can L.L.M.students look for chances around the world?
Yes! As part of their student exchange programs, global moot courts, shared research projects, and summer schools abroad, many L.L.M.programs give students the chance to learn about other countries. These activities help students learn about different law systems and make connections around the world.
Where does the job fit in with the L.L.M.?
A lot of the time, internships are recommended during or after the school. Students get to work for top law firms, legal study centres, policy think tanks or foreign groups. This helps them learn more about their chosen speciality and gives them useful information.
What kinds of jobs can people with an L.L.M. get?
People who get their L.L.M.can work as legal experts, business counsels, policy managers, legal researchers, or law teachers. Depending on what they are interested in, they can also work for foreign organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or move into specialised legal jobs.
Do the students learn any tools or apps during the course?
Yes! Manupatra, SCC Online, Westlaw, and LexisNexis are some of the study tools that L.L.M.students often use. They also use reference managers, legal quotation tools and data analysis apps (like SPSS for research-based L.L.M.) to write and keep track of their work.
