LL.M. Business Transactions and Technology Transfer

Since 20 years the LL.M. Business Transactions and Technology Transfer offers a unique and valuable further education for lawyers taking into account the complex legal needs of the global economy wishing to pursue advanced studies. With over 200 years of experience the Faculty of Law at the University of Zurich is known worldwide for the excellence of its faculty and its legal education programs. The school’s location, Zurich is the economic capital and most vibrant city of Switzerland and is situated in the heart of Europe allowing students to easily discover the European countries and explore Switzerland’s stunning nature.

The ongoing demand and positive feedback from program graduates reflect the attractiveness and practical applicability of this graduate program. The specially designed LL.M. program will entail a highly challenging, practice-related work study program. An international team of lecturers ensures that course subject matter is not limited to national issues, but encompasses a growing body of international business law. Academic modules conducted in the USA, as well as in China and Geneva, contribute to the international nature of the program.

The program

Among the strength that graduate students find at the University of Zurich are the opportunity to pursue a broad course of study, and the possibility to explore their areas of interest in the Specialization Courses. Students will profit from our LL.M. program specially designed and developed for lawyers working in an international field.

The program includes a General Course and a Specialization Courses, comprising approximately 420 lectures. The program is completed with the submission of a thesis.

The General Course lectures build the foundation for the subsequent Specialization Course. After an introduction to the economic and legal foundations of the international economy and important foreign areas of law, the emphasis shifts to European and international business (e.g., EU Common Market, Competition Law, WTO, Corporate Law, Tax and Corporate Criminal Law).

The first part of the specialization course focuses on the design of international contracts. The basics include international private law issues such as choice of law, CISG and alternative forms of dispute resolution. In addition, the course addresses the hedging performance from the customer's perspective, the assurance of payment entitlements and contract enforceability in different international contexts. An overview of the measures that enable companies of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations are also essential. The module Technology Transfer first explains how technology is protected by patent, copyright, design, trademark and know-how protection. In the second part of this module the focus is on the commercialization of technology through licensing agreements. The LL.M. International Business Transactions and Technology Transfer focuses on the aspects of Swiss, European, American, and International Law. The student should be able to solve the problems independently that arise in international contract practice and technology transfer.

• Module 1: International Business Transactions
• Module 2: International Technology Transfer

Students who are interested in only taking the Specialization Course can be awarded a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS).

Summary of key points:

Degree: LL.M. Business Transactions and Technology Transfer Application form: www.LLM.uzh.ch Application deadline: Please check our website

Application and Eligibility

The following requirements must be met for admission to the program of study:

• Degree in Law at a Master’s level (exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
• Professional experience
• Good verbal and written knowledge of the teaching language (English)

Costs

CHF 32,800.–

Included in tuition costs are the costs for course materials, examination fees as well as all intensive weekends and certain additional events. Not included are costs for excursions, additional literature and living costs.