International cooperation with the Master Program “IP and Tech Transfer” at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
The Master program in “Intellectual Property and Technological Transfer” (IPTT) at the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” is a unique offering, being the only one of its kind in Bulgaria developed in partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Academy. This program distinguishes itself through its high quality and innovative approach to education in the field of IP and technology transfer.
One of the key strengths of the IPTT program lies in its MBA-style approach, where learning is grounded in diverse practical experiences, enriched by insights from leading organizations like CEIPI, WIPO, the European Patent Office (EPO), and the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering both civil and common law systems, providing graduates with a broad understanding of IP and TT practices applicable on a global scale.
Furthermore, the IPTT program fosters a dynamic and interactive learning environment through:
- Specialized tracks: Students can tailor their learning experience by choosing from a range of specialized courses, guest lectures, online modules, workshops, and practical case studies led by national and international IP experts.
- Multicultural setting: The program is taught entirely in English, attracting students from Bulgaria and around the world, creating a rich and diverse learning community.
- Strong international partnerships: Collaboration with renowned institutions like the CEIPI, Rutgers University, WIPO, EPO, and EUIPO ensures exposure to cutting-edge knowledge and best practices.
The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with a deep understanding of IP, encompassing:
- Acquisition procedures: Students learn the processes for securing patents, trademarks, and designs.
- Economic aspects: The program explores the commercial benefits of IP ownership and its role in driving innovation and economic growth.
- Specialized knowledge: Courses delve into key areas like technology transfer, licensing, brand management, entrepreneurship, unfair competition, and copyright in the digital age, including AI.
A unique feature of the IPTT program is the opportunity for students to participate in the Pan-European Seal Program, a one-year internship at the EPO or EUIPO. This provides invaluable practical experience and potential career opportunities within European institutions.
Graduates of the program receive a European Diploma with 240 credits, along with certificates from any specialized courses undertaken. They gain the qualification of “Manager of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer”, opening doors to diverse career paths in government bodies, research institutions, businesses, and international organizations.
The IPTT program is designed for individuals with backgrounds in economics, law, technology, or management, who are seeking to become highly qualified professionals in the field of intellectual property and technology transfer.
Lecturers
Already in the second year, the International Institute for IP Management supports the education in this course with expert lecturers, such as the committee chairs of the committee for International affairs:
Mohsen Ahmadi
Mohsen Ahmadi is an IP consultant, IP strategist, and IP lecturer from Iran. He is now working as head of the IP management department in Godakhtar Industries Development and Innovation, which is one of the biggest suppliers of oil and gas equipment in Iran and the Middle East market. Mohsen is the founder of IP PUYAN, the IP management firm in Iran with a focus on the oil and gas and the mining industry. He is consulting some iron ore mines to implement and develop an IP strategy and innovation ecosystem. He has more than 6 years experience in trademark law.
Mohsen holds a master’s in international trade law from Iran and he has a Master of Intellectual Property Law and Management from CEIPI, University of Strasbourg. He is also a PhD candidate in IP management at CEIPI working on a thesis on the topic “The Role of ISO56005/DIN77006 for IP commercialization: The journey from IP creation to market” supervised by Prof. Dr. Alexander J. Wurzer.
Mohsen has expertise in IP strategy, international relations, knowledge management, and implementation of innovation policy.
Terita Kalloo
Terita Kalloo is an Intellectual Property Attorney at Law from Trinidad and Tobago. Terita worked at the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs and at the Intellectual Property Office of Trinidad and Tobago as legal counsel before entering private practice. She has been practicing law for over a decade and specialises in IP protection, management, litigation and enforcement through her law practice based in Trinidad and Tobago – “Terita Kalloo Law”. She is also founder of IP Harvester Ltd, an IP Management Company, that offers IP Management services in the Caribbean region such as IP Valuations, IP Audits, and IP Due Diligence. Terita is a WIPO certified trainer at the National Intellectual Property Training Centre of Trinidad and Tobago and holds a Master’s degree in Intellectual Property Law and Management from the University of Strasbourg, France.