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1. IP related FAQs

What is I.P.?

Intellectual Property refers to anything that is the product of the human intellect. This could include things such as a painting or a song, an invention, even the name of a company and its logo. These creations, inventions, or names are known as ‘intellectual property’ in law, and the law relating to them is called ‘intellectual property law.’

Some of the different types of intellectual property are:

Why are I.P. rights important?

n an increasingly knowledge-driven society, understanding the laws relating to intellectual property becomes extremely important for many reasons: after all, these are the drivers of economic growth and progress. Understanding intellectual property and how it can be protected is a must not only for one’s own career development, but also for the growth of one’s business or industry, and of the economy as a whole.

Today, even the organisations you work in are valued in terms of the intellectual property they can generate or own.

How is the programme a value-addition for non-law graduates and technical personnel?

Understanding intellectual property and how it impacts your creation, the product you sell, the brands you market, and what you need to do to protect your intellectual property, is something that any inventor or creator, sales or brand manager, and scientist or researcher must have first-hand awareness of. It is only from this awareness that an organisation’s intellectual property can be efficiently protected and permitted to create value in such a fiercely competitive marketplace.

Non-legal Professionals (such as those who function in the operations, sales, marketing and R&D functions) who also understand the nature and impact that intellectual property has on their products and domains are clearly recognised as those who will progress to leadership positions within their organisation. Reflecting knowledge in the area of intellectual property laws is certainly something that organisations increasingly value in their employees, and are willing to invest in.

How is the programme a value-addition for law graduates and legal professionals?

The programme is a substantial value addition for law graduates not just from the perspective of a practice focussed on intellectual property law, but also in their roles in the wide variety of other career options in the legal industry. The increasing role that intellectual property plays, and its connection in, a wide variety of matters make it crucial for legal professionals be they in the corporate advisory space, litigation, or even legal outsourcing. It is becoming increasingly important for even members of the judiciary to be well versed with contemporary intellectual property law.

The programme affords law graduates the unique opportunity to complete their study in the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia – thereby giving them a dual certification of both the MIPL as well as one from the QUT. For more details, please click here

Also, since the programme is India’s only two-year Master’s Degree in intellectual property law, and is delivered in an online format (which ensures that participants progress at their own pace), it is ideally positioned to provide any legal career significant impetus.

2. Programme related FAQs

2.1. Organisations behind MIPL

Who is Rainmaker?

Rainmaker is a quality service provider focussed on the legal industry, specifically India. With a combination of market-leading capabilities across Executive Search, Education and Training, Knowledge Services and Consulting, we support and create solutions for organisations and individuals across the country.

Rainmaker specialise in training programmes for legal professionals and law students, and also run India’s first and most popular Post-graduate Diploma in Legal Process Outsourcing in collaboration with the IGNOU.

For more information about Rainmaker, please visit www.rainmaker.co.in

What is the IGNOU?

The Indira Gandhi National Open University was established by an Act of Parliament in 1985. It is the world’s largest university, with over 1.4 million students. The University is located in New Delhi, and has Regional Study Centres in over 40 locations across India.

For more information on the IGNOU, please visit www.ignou.ac.in

What is the Queensland University of Technology (QUT)?

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is a highly successful Australian university with an applied emphasis in courses and research. Based in Brisbane with a global outlook, it has 40,000 students, including 6000 from overseas (QUT Statistics), and an annual budget of more than AU$500 million.

Courses are in high demand and its graduate employment rate is well above the national average for Australian universities.

For more information on the QUT, please visit www.qut.edu.au/

2.2. Admission related FAQs

How do I register for the programme?

Enrolment is through an online process. You have to fill out a simple registration form, and submit certain certificates, such as a certified copy of your graduation degree. Please visit the ‘How to Register’ section at www.ignouonline.ac.in/mipl

Where is the programme being conducted?

The programme will be delivered online, through a unique mix of self-learning and interactive-learning content on eMentor, Rainmaker’s proprietary e-learning platform. You can complete programme requirements at any place you choose, and are not location bound. Almost all of the programme’s testing and evaluation will also be conducted online.

What is the duration of the programme?

The minimum duration of the programme is two years. However, you are allowed repeat attempts for a maximum period of four years to complete programme requirements.

What are the commencement and closing dates of the programme?

The first batch commences on October 1, 2010 and ends in February 2012. The last date for enrolment is September 30, 2010.

What is the eligibility?

Graduation in any stream is necessary for participating in the MIPL programme.

Is there any age bar?

No there is no age bar but the candidate must be at least a graduate.

I am not a law graduate. Can I enrol for the programme?

Yes. The programme is designed specifically to assist non-law graduates in its areas of study.

I am a final-year student. Can I enrol for the programme?

Unfortunately not. Only graduates may enrol for the programme.

What is the fee and can I pay in instalments?

The programme fee is Rs 36,000/-. Payment may be made in two instalments of Rs. 18,000 each, with the second instalment being made prior to the end of the 2nd semester.

What are the payment schemes?

You may pay online using a credit card, or by submitting a demand draft.

Can we pay the fees through credit cards?

Yes. Please refer to the ‘How to register’ section at www.ignouonline.ac.in/mipl for details on how to do this.

Can we pay through cheques?

No. Programme fees are accepted only via a credit card payment, or by a demand draft.

What is the late fee. When and how does the late fee apply?

The late fee is an additional fee of Rs. 200 levied on all enrolments between October 1, 2010 and October 15, 2010. However, if you have filled the online form prior to October 1, and despatched the necessary documents thereafter, there will not be any late fee levied. All enrolment forms and necessary documents must reach the University before the September 30, 2010.

Can we send the DDs to any city other than New Delhi?

No. Payments may only be made directly to the university at its New Delhi campus.

2.3. Programme delivery related FAQs

What is the evaluation methodology and do we give exams?

The programme follows a unique evaluation system that is a combination of continuous evaluation and term-end testing. You will be assigned a number of research assignments, projects, and online quizzes (all on the on eMentor, Rainmaker’s proprietary e-learning platform). If you complete these successfully, you will have fulfilled the programme’s continuous evaluation requirements. Additionally, there will also be term-end testing (at IGNOU centres or other such designated locations) at the end of each Semester for which you will have to register with and travel to the nearest such location. The details of this will be worked out on your successful enrolment into the programme.

Are there any printed materials that will be sent to me?

No. All the programme’s content including self-study, interactive-learning as well as continuous evaluation content will be delivered on eMentor, Rainmaker’s proprietary e-learning platform. There will be no print material that will be sent to you.

Who will provide the training?

The learning will be delivered by Rainmaker and IGNOU, through eMentor, Rainmaker’s unique e-learning platform, and through a set of self-learning materials.
Who are the faculty?
Industry experts, NLSIU alumni, and specialised trainers in each subject area.

Since the programme commences on August 1, 2010, will I miss out on anything by enrolling on the last date i.e. August 31, 2010?

No. The programme is designed to be delivered asynchronously, which means that learners do not necessarily have to progress at the same pace. Unlike how you may have experienced conventional education in your school and college, the MIPL programme allows you to learn at your own pace, and so, even if you enrol by the last date, you will still experience the programme as if it were made specifically for you and was meant to start the day you enrol!

2.4. Other Queries

When will the next batch commence?

The next batch details will be put up shortly. Enrolments for the current batch are open. The current batch will commence from October 1, 2010.

Can we try your class and decide later?

No. The University rules do not permit any trials before enrolling for courses.

Is there any placement assistance?

No. At present, there is no placement assistance being offered to students of the programme.

Is the programme Central Government-accredited?

Yes. All IGNOU diplomas, degrees, and certificates are recognised by the Central Government, and are equivalent to diplomas, degrees, and certificates granted by any Indian university.

Additionally, Law students have the option to also obtain a dual certification from the QUT. Kindly click here for additional information.

Is there someone I can speak with for any other queries?
Yes, you may reach either

The Rainmaker team
at +91 22 4035 0900 or
 training@rainmaker.co.in

or

The IGNOU School of Law
at +91 11 2953 1115

 

Click here to download e-brochure for MIPL