Patent Law Course for Engineers & Scientists | IIT Madras | Prof. Feroz Ali
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 689 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty Domain - Advanced, Patents and Intellectual Property Rights |
| 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 | 18 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Bridge the Gap Between Innovation and Law: A Comprehensive Guide to Patent Law for Engineers & Scientists
In today's knowledge-driven economy, innovation is the currency of progress. For engineers and scientists, transforming a groundbreaking idea into a protected asset is a critical skill. Understanding patent law is no longer a niche legal specialty; it's an essential component of a successful technical career. Recognizing this need, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras offers a meticulously designed 12-week course, Patent Law for Engineers and Scientists, led by one of India's foremost authorities on the subject, Prof. Feroz Ali.
Why Should Engineers and Scientists Learn Patent Law?
Patent law is the framework that protects technological inventions. For technical professionals, a working knowledge of this framework empowers you to:
- Safeguard Your Innovations: Understand what makes an invention patentable and how to secure legal protection for your R&D efforts.
- Enhance Career Value: Add a highly sought-after skill set, making you invaluable in R&D departments, startups, and IP-focused roles.
- Navigate the Innovation Ecosystem: Effectively communicate with patent attorneys, conduct prior art searches, and analyze competitive patents.
- Unlock Commercial Potential: Learn how patents translate into business assets, enabling licensing, funding, and market advantage.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Feroz Ali
This course is taught by Prof. Feroz Ali, the Chair Professor on Intellectual Property Rights at IIT Madras. Prof. Ali is not just an academic; he is a seasoned practitioner. As a practicing advocate at the Madras High Court, he litigates and counsels in IPR, corporate, and competition law, with a primary focus on patents. His experience spans appearances before the Supreme Court, High Courts, the IP Appellate Board, and Patent Offices. He is also the author of three authoritative books on patent law. This unique blend of deep academic insight and real-world legal practice ensures the course content is both theoretically sound and practically applicable.
Course Overview and Objectives
This undergraduate/postgraduate level course provides an in-depth understanding of the Indian patent system. It is structured to demystify legal concepts for those with a science or engineering background.
Primary Objectives:
- Understand the fundamentals of patent law and the Indian Patents Act, 1970.
- Grasp the critical requirements for patentability: novelty, inventive step, and industrial application.
- Learn how to read, interpret, and analyze patent specifications and court cases.
- Develop a basic understanding of drafting a patent specification.
- Navigate patent office procedures, including prosecution, opposition, and grant.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is specifically intended for:
- Engineering and Science graduates and students.
- R&D professionals and innovators.
- Academics and researchers involved in technology development.
- Aspirants preparing for the Indian Patent Agent Examination – the course covers the syllabus of Paper 1.
Prerequisite: A background degree in Science or Technology is preferable. For those interested in drafting, pairing this course with "Patent Drafting for Beginners" is recommended.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
The course is systematically divided into weekly modules, ensuring a comprehensive learning journey from basics to advanced topics.
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to the Indian Patent System, Patents Act & Rules |
| Week 2 | Patentability: Novelty, Inventive Step, Industrial Application |
| Week 3 | Patent Specification: Structure, Reading, & Drafting Introduction |
| Week 4 | Patent Prosecution I: Filing Applications |
| Week 5 | Patent Prosecution II: Publication & Examination (Part 1) |
| Week 6 | Patent Prosecution III: Publication & Examination (Part 2) |
| Week 7 | Powers of the Controller & Amendments |
| Week 8 | Opposition Proceedings (Pre-grant & Post-grant) |
| Week 9 | Patent Grant, Rights, Term, and Restoration |
| Week 10 | Revocation, Patent Office, Government Use, Penalties |
| Week 11 | Compulsory Licensing and Patent Licensing |
| Week 12 | Patent Enforcement, International Treaties (PCT), and Miscellaneous Provisions |
Key Learning Resources
The course curriculum is supported by essential texts, including Prof. Ali's own seminal works:
- Feroz Ali, The Law of Patents, LexisNexis
- Ronald D. Slusky, Invention Analysis and Claiming – A Patent Lawyer’s Guide
- Feroz Ali, The Touchstone Effect – The Impact of Pre-grant Opposition on Patents, LexisNexis
Industry Support and Career Advancement
This course receives strong industry recognition, particularly for candidates aiming to become registered Patent Agents in India. The knowledge gained is directly applicable in:
- IP Law Firms: As a technical expert or patent analyst.
- Corporate R&D: In-house IP management and strategy.
- Startups & Entrepreneurship: Protecting core technology to attract investment.
- Academic Research: Securing patents for university innovations.
Whether you seek to pass the Patent Agent Exam, enhance your professional profile, or simply gain the knowledge to protect your own inventions, Patent Law for Engineers and Scientists offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the best. Under the guidance of Prof. Feroz Ali, you will build a robust foundation in the laws that turn scientific ideas into valuable intellectual property.
Enroll Now →