Modular IP Education Framework (MIPEF)

Advancing intellectual property education across Europe

Partnering with top universities to bring expert IP knowledge into their academic curricula

Created by the European Patent Office in collaboration with leading intellectual property (IP) experts from Europe, the Modular IP Education Framework (MIPEF) delivers high-quality IP education to final-year bachelor’s, master ‘s and and PhD students. The modular programme can be integrated into existing university curricula and grants academic recognition: students who pass the courses will receive an EPO certificate and ECTS credits (as determined by each partnering university).

The EPO offers the MIPEF courses as a comprehensive learning experience, free of charge for selected universities, covering everything from students’ registration and tutoring by IP experts, to their final test and grading. By offering the MIPEF courses to their students, universities enhance their IP capabilities, ensuring that students will understand the value of IP assets and know how to obtain, manage and license IP and patents successfully.

High-quality IP Education

The MIPEF combines the foundations of IP systems with practical, real-world application through up to three wo courses.

The MIPEF programme consists of several modules, starting with an introduction to the main intellectual property (IP) systems. It offers a comprehensive overview of the entire patent lifecycle- from application and grant procedures to enforcement, technology transfer, IP strategy and commercialisation. The programme ultimately equips participants with a solid understanding of how IP fosters technological development and drives innovation. Learning is dynamic and practice-oriented, thanks to a wide range of engaging resources: case studies featuring European Inventor Award finalists, self-paced interactive modules, expert-led online sessions, group discussions and a final test.

Student Testimonials

Since its inception, over 9 000 students from more than 100 universities across Europe have registered to the MIPEF courses. Several alumni shared their views on the benefits of the training.

“I found the training highly informative and well-structured. I especially appreciated the balance between theoretical concepts and practical insights. The interactive elements and clear explanations made it easy to stay engaged.”

“This course is the perfect introduction to the world of intellectual property, and especially Europe’s patent system. Guided tutorials and user-friendly learning materials present a balance of theory and practice. Course tutors create the perfect atmosphere for learning: your doubts are welcomed, it’s ok to be wrong and your input is appreciated. Discussion is encouraged and enriched on the forum and during online sessions, where it is a pleasure to see people from so many countries dynamically exchange various points of view. A very powerful and useful experience that I strongly recommend.”

“The course was structured and presented in an accessible and fully competent manner, is comprehensive and entirely to our benefit. It was a pleasure for me to be a part of it and to be able to acquire new knowledge. [...] Congratulations!”