Graduate Diploma in IP and Innovation Management (Patent Agency)

Graduate Diploma
(Postgraduate)

Embark on an enriching learning journey to become a Patent Agent, a profession that is regulated in Singapore.

Graduate Diploma in IP and Innovation Management (Patent Agency)

Applications Open: 01 November 2024

Applications Close: 15 April 2025

Next Available Intake: July 2025

Programme Type: Graduate

Fees: View More Details on Fees

Area of Interest: Business Administration, Management

School/Department: School of Business

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Innovations are not just improving people's lives, they have become an important means for economies and businesses to stay competitive in today's global marketplace. In such an innovation-driven environment, the realisation that intangible assets (IA) and intellectual property (IP) currently make up the bulk of companies' value has fuelled the need for professionals with quality IA/IP expertise — talents who can develop and align IA/IP strategies to achieve business goals, and business leaders who can reap the benefits of their innovations and IA/IP.

Through the Graduate Diploma in IP and Innovation Management (Patent Agency) (GDIPIMP), you will embark on an enriching learning journey to become a Patent Agent, a profession that is regulated in Singapore. First of its kind in Singapore at a graduate level, not to mention being one of the limited number of such programmes oﬀered worldwide, this track is approved by Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and recognised under the Singapore patent agent legislation.

Its practice-based approach equips you with vocation-ready capabilities, and prepares you for the Singapore Patent Agents Qualifying Examinations, a legislative requirement for registration as a patent agent in Singapore.

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Refer to general admission criteria for graduate programmes.

In addition, applicants, who are interested to go for the Patent Agency and IP Technology specialisation, should preferably possess a Science, Engineering or Technical degree.

This programme is currently unable to take in international students, i.e., you must be a Singapore citizen, permanent resident or a resident in Singapore (e.g., Employment Pass holder) in order to apply for admission.

Applicants will be required to submit a CV detailing their relevant experience (education, training and/or work)

The University offers course fee concession for selected graduate programmes. Please click here for more details.

SkillsFuture Series Funding
Some courses receive SkillsFuture Series funding. For information about SkillsFuture Series funding, please click here.

Graduate Diploma in IP and Innovation Management (Patent Agency)

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Module Types
COMPULSORY	IPM501 Foundation IP Law IPM521 Advanced Patent Law IPM523 Patent Practice in Singapore IPM525 Patent Office Action IPM527 Patent Claims IPM529 Patent Applications IPM531 Patent Infringement & Validity	35 cu

Professionals aspiring to be patent attorneys/agents.

Patent attorney/agent

How many courses are there for the GDIPIMP programme?
There are a total of 7 courses.
How long does it take to complete the GDIPIMP programme?
It can be completed over 3 semesters (18 months).
Are there any special entry requirements?
Applicants who intend to undergo the GDIPIMP should preferably have a science, engineering or technical degree.
Are there any exemptions?
Credit recognition for IPM501 Foundation IP Law and IPM521 Advanced Patent Law will be given to successful candidates who have a Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law (GCIP) from the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Credit recognition for IPM501 Foundation IP Law will be given to successful candidates who have a Specialist Certificate in Intangible Asset Management (SCIAM) from the IP Academy of IPOS International (IPOS-I).

Credit recognition for IPM523 Patent Practice in Singapore, IPM525 Patent Office Action, IPM527 Patent Claims, IPM529 Patent Applications and IPM531 Patent Infringement & Validity will be given to successful candidates who have passed the equivalent Patent Agents Qualifying Examination Paper(s), which will be capped at 50%, or 15 credit units (cu), of the graduation requirements to be awarded the Graduate Diploma in IP and Innovation Management (Patent Agency).
Pre-requisite for Enrolling in the Singapore Patent Agents Qualifying Examinations (QE)
With effect from QE2022, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) will introduce a pre-requisite for QE enrolment to provide patent agent trainees with a more systematic pathway to qualification. Patent agent trainees/prospective QE candidates will be required to pass the respective patent agency skills courses in the Graduate Diploma in IP and Innovation Management (Patent Agency) or the Master of IP and Innovation Management (Patent Agency). Find out more details here.
How many courses do students take in each semester?
Students are recommended to complete up to three courses each semester.
What are the assessment components for each course?
There will be two tutor-marked assignments and a typed-written examination for every course. Students will need to achieve a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.5 to be awarded the Graduate Diploma in IP and Innovation Management (Patent Agency).
When are the lessons scheduled?
Classes are generally conducted on weekday evenings from 7pm to 10pm.
Are there any attendance requirements?
We encourage students to attend the six seminars/course to maximise their learning.

What happens if I do not complete the graduate programmes (e.g. Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Master) within the candidature period? Can I apply to take the remaining courses via CET pathway?
Students who have not completed their graduate programmes within the stipulated candidature period will not be eligible for the award of the qualification for such graduate programmes. Such students however may apply to take, via the CET pathway, the remaining courses which they did not complete under their graduate programmes as part of their personal learning and development. Such application will be subjected to the CET admission requirement. However, as such students have exceeded the candidature period for their graduate programmes, they will not be awarded the qualification for such graduate programmes even after taking and completing the remaining courses via the CET pathway (“Condition”).

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS COURSE, IS ONE OF THE COURSES UNDER A GRADUATE PROGRAMME. THEREFORE, APPLICANTS FOR THIS COURSE ARE SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING CONDITION. BY SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS COURSE, THE APPLICANT AGREES TO BE SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING CONDITION.

Graduate Diploma in IP and Innovation Management (Patent Agency)