University of Liverpool joins the Pan-European Seal Programme partnering with Europe’s leading Intellectual Property organisations

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The University of Liverpool has joined the Pan-European Seal Programme, a prestigious EU training scheme, partnering with Europe’s leading Intellectual Property (IP) organisations: the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO).

The University of Liverpool is the 9th UK institution to join the programme, which involves more than 130 university members from all over Europe. Since the inception of the programme, more than 1000 trainees have been welcomed to both the EUIPO and the EPO.

The partnership offers the unique opportunity for students and graduates to experience a one-year professional traineeship programme, work overseas, and access a wealth of learning resources and opportunities developed by the world leaders in the field of IP.

Over the 12-month programme, trainees are embedded in professional teams and work with dedicated mentors. They receive patent examination training, follow a tailored development programme, and learn the German or Spanish language.

The Pan-European Seal Programme is jointly organised by Europe’s IP Offices, EPO and EUIPO, and offers paid, trainee roles in Alicante or Munich.

Speaking of the partnership, Dr Sabine Jacques, Senior Lecturer in Intellectual Property Law, Liverpool Law School, shared:
“I am thrilled that this partnership will foster a strong bond between the EUIPO, the EPO, and academia. This collaboration opens doors for our students, offering them opportunities for prestigious paid traineeships and invaluable access to a wealth of digital resources and online courses."

Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas, Dean of the School of Law and Social Justice, University of Liverpool said:
“We are delighted to join the Pan-European Seal Programme and expand our offering to our students through prestigious international partnerships with the EUIPO and the EPO. In the School of Law and Social Justice, we are committed to fostering a dynamic learning environment that incorporates academia and practical skills. Through the traineeship, our students will gain invaluable international experience in the intellectual property labour market, and the added benefit of shared expertise from our partners."

To apply for the Programme, candidates do not have to have previously studied intellectual property law, with those studying subjects including science and engineering, human resources and business administration, international relations and communication, information technology, economics and finance, and law – at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels – encouraged to apply.

Visit the Pan-European Seal Programme webpages.

If you would like further information about the programme, please contact Dr Sabine Jacques (University of Liverpool’s representative).