Intellectual Property Course | IIT Madras | Prof. Feroz Ali | 12-Week Online Program
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 2032 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences, Law, Faculty Domain - Advanced |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 17 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock the World of Ideas: A Comprehensive Guide to Intellectual Property
In today's knowledge-driven global economy, ideas are the most valuable currency. Protecting and leveraging these intangible assets is not just a legal formality but a critical business strategy. Whether you're an aspiring lawyer, a budding entrepreneur, a researcher, or a creative professional, a solid understanding of Intellectual Property (IP) is indispensable. This is where the expertly crafted 12-week course on Intellectual Property, offered by one of India's premier institutions, comes into play.
Your Guide to the IP Landscape: Meet Prof. Feroz Ali
Learning complex legal frameworks requires guidance from an authority who bridges theory and practice. This course is led by Prof. Feroz Ali, the Chair Professor on Intellectual Property Rights at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. Prof. Ali is not just an academic; he is a seasoned practitioner. As an advocate at the Madras High Court, he has litigated cases before the Supreme Court, various High Courts, and the Patent Offices. He is also the author of three authoritative books on patent law. This unique blend of deep scholarly insight and real-world courtroom experience ensures that the course content is both rigorous and immediately applicable.
Course Overview: What Will You Learn?
This is a substantive, 12-week journey designed to provide a holistic view of Intellectual Property. It moves beyond dry legal definitions to explore the role of IP in shaping markets, fueling innovation, and building competitive advantage in the modern intangible economy. Structured as a generic elective under the UGC's Choice Based Credit System, it is perfectly suited for undergraduate and postgraduate students across disciplines.
Weekly Course Layout: A Step-by-Step Journey
The course is meticulously structured to build your knowledge from the ground up:
| Week | Topic | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Basics of Intellectual Property | Foundational concepts and the IP ecosystem in India. |
| Week 2 | The Intangible Economy | How IP assets drive value in today's business world. |
| Week 3 | Patents—From ball pens to biologics | Deep dive into patent law, from simple inventions to complex biotechnology. |
| Week 4 | Trade Marks—What does red soles and barbie girl mean? | Understanding brand protection, distinctiveness, and famous cases. |
| Week 5 | Copyright—Is it right to copy? | Exploring rights over literary, artistic, musical, and software works. |
| Week 6 | Unconventional IP—The expanding scope | Covering designs, geographical indications, trade secrets, and more. |
| Week 7 | Enforcement of IP—Protecting your rights | Legal remedies, litigation strategies, and anti-counterfeiting measures. |
| Week 8 | IP for Business—A profit-making asset class | IP valuation, licensing, and strategy for commercialisation. |
| Week 9 | IP, Research, and Universities | Technology transfer, academic patenting, and institutional IP policies. |
| Week 10 | IP for the Creative and Entertainment Industries | Specific applications in film, music, publishing, and gaming. |
| Week 11 | Government's Role in Fostering IP | National IP policies, innovation incentives, and international treaties. |
| Week 12 | Teaching IP—Let everyone learn IP | The importance of IP education and advocacy. |
Who Should Enroll in This IP Course?
This course is specifically designed for a wide range of learners:
- University Students: Ideal for law, business, engineering, science, humanities, and design students looking to add a high-value skill.
- Young Professionals: Lawyers, startup founders, R&D scientists, and managers seeking to formalize their IP knowledge.
- Academicians & Researchers: Faculty and PhD scholars who need to navigate IP issues in their work and publications.
- Creative Individuals: Writers, artists, musicians, and developers wanting to protect their original creations.
Key Takeaways and Benefits
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers all major IP rights—Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Designs, and more—with a practical bent.
- Expert Instruction: Learn from a leading IP scholar-practitioner with unparalleled experience.
- Career Advancement: IP knowledge is a powerful differentiator in fields like law, tech, management, and research.
- Credit Eligibility: Structured to fit the UGC's Choice Based Credit System for easy academic integration.
- Practical Insights: Move beyond theory to understand enforcement, business strategy, and real-world case studies.
Essential Reading Material
The course references the acclaimed textbook "Intellectual Property Law" by Lionel Bently & Brad Sherman (2014), ensuring alignment with globally recognized academic standards. This resource will provide students with a strong textual foundation to complement the video lectures and discussions.
In a world where innovation is the key to progress, understanding how to protect and capitalize on ideas is paramount. This 12-week Intellectual Property course by IIT Madras's Prof. Feroz Ali offers a unique opportunity to gain that understanding from one of the best in the field. Enroll today to transform your perspective on the power of intangible assets and equip yourself for the challenges and opportunities of the modern economy.
Enroll Now →