European Patent Law: Dive into the heart of European intellectual property law with visits to the Unified Patent Court and the European Patent Office. This one-week program offers firsthand insight into how Europe protects innovation across borders.
To Sign Up For This Program
Enroll in LAW 849 - European Patent Law during your Spring 2026 enrollment appointment.
You must have previously completed, or be concurrently enrolled in either LAW 388 - Intellectual Property Survey or LAW 233 - Patents.
Sunday March 8, 2026 to Friday March 13, 2026
You can view last years itinerary at this link.
Prerequisites: Prior or concurrent enrollment in either LAW 388 - Intellectual Property Survey or LAW 233 - Patents.
Course Title and Units
- LAW 849 - European Patent Law
- 1 credit
Course Description
Spring Break Immersion Course in Munich, Germany. This course will introduce students to the European Patent Convention, which creates an intergovernmental organization, the European Patent Office, to examine patent applications and grant patents for up to 45 nations; and the EU Unitary Patent, a single patent that covers the territory of a subset of EU member nations, and can be enforced in a single action before the EU Unified Patent Court. Prerequisites: Prior or concurrent enrollment in either LAW 388 - Intellectual Property Survey or LAW 233 - Patents.
Possible legal site visits include:
- European Patent Office
- Unified Patent Court
- Law firms and in house corporate counsel
Possible Cultural Activities include:
- Brewery tour
- Car factory / museum
- Residenz Palace
- Schloss Nymphenburg
- Neuschwanstein Castle
Faculty Program Director: Tyler Ochoa
Local Teaching Faculty: practicing patent experts, Dr. Martin Grund and Dr. Armin Bohmann
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about our Spring Break Abroad Programs:
- Spring Break programs are open to Santa Clara Law students or auditors for MCLE credit.
- All classes are taught in English.
- Spring Break programs do count towards the study abroad requirement of the International Law Certificates.
- October 20, 2025 - Spring Semester Enrollment Starts
- October 24, 2025 - Priority Enrollment Deadline
- January 2, 2026 - Abroad Ambassador Deadline
- January 16, 026 - Last Day to Enroll
Students sign up for their Spring Break abroad program by registering for the abroad course in WorkDay. There is no competitive application process.
Spring 2026 registration opens October 20, 2025.
Once you are registered for the course, you will be contacted to complete your abroad package (which includes travel, health and safety information).
We understand that cost is an important factor when considering study abroad. Below are some of the ways we work to make our programs more affordable and financially accessible for students.
- Reduced Tuition: Summer Abroad Tuition is $1,500 per credit, which is significantly lower than on-campus rates at most law schools. These tuition savings are intended to offset travel expenses and improve accessibility.
- No Application or Activity Fees: We only charge tuition. There are no application or activity fees. Tuition covers not only coursework but also program-related social, cultural, and networking events and International Emergency Medical and Travel Assistance.
- Financial Aid: All programs are eligible for federal financial aid. Santa Clara Law Dean’s Fellows may apply their academic scholarships. Other academic scholarships do not apply, since applying scholarships here would not fully leverage their intended value.
- For Santa Clara Students: Abroad Ambassador Program: This competitive program covers airfare for selected students who assist with program marketing.