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Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Law

 
Thursday, 9 November 2006

Further information

What’s involved?

(1) Written argument -
Each team must submit two skeletons of argument – one for the appellant; one for the respondent. The word limit is strictly 2000 words per skeleton. These are due by 15 January 2006.

(2) Oral argument -26 teams are invited to attend a residential weekend at Worcester college, University of Oxford, from Friday night to Sunday evening, 23 March – 25 March 2006. Over the weekend you will argue the case twice, possibly more if you reach the finals. Each advocate speaks for 15-20 minutes.

Finalists will be judged by a panel of judges.

How much does it cost?

Costs are born by the organisers and the Faculty’s Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Law. This includes travel (advance booking), the costs of the residential weekend (meals, accommodation) and reasonable photocopying expenses.

Why do it?

  • Fun (intellectually and socially)
  • Networking (with judges, barristers, academics, students)
  • Experience (especially for those wishing to become a barrister or an IP specialist.)
  • Additional revision
  • Expand your CV

Eligibility

The competition is open to any student enrolled in the Tripos or LLM degree, provided that he or she has never practised as a lawyer.

The hypothetical case is based in the fictional country of Erewhon, which draws on common law and civil law traditions. This encourages comparative research and creates a level playing field for students from all jurisdictions.

Joining the Cambridge Team

If you’re interested please email Dr Kathy Liddell (k.liddell@law.cam.ac.uk) by 20 November. You can propose yourself as a singleton or as ready-made team. You cannot propose other people without their consent!

In the event that more than three people are interested, Professor Bently and Dr Liddell will select the team with reference to your reasons for participation and performance in past coursework. Please include this information in a brief email. Also indicate if you have doubts about your ability to commit to the competition. This does not rule you out of contention, however it is important that we know at the outset.
Undergraduates and graduates are equally welcome to participate.

Coaching: If you are ineligible to compete, but would like to help coach the team, feel free to contact us.

Will you win?

We don’t know and we really don’t mind. In past years, the Cambridge teams have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and performed very well.

In 2004, an all female (tripos) Cambridge team won the overall competition and the prize for Highest Scoring Individual Oralist. In 2005, an all male (tripos) Cambridge team reached the semi-finals in the oral event and won Best Written Submission. Last year, the team (mixed tripos/ LL.M.) reached the semi-final and was awarded the prize for Highest Scoring Individual Oralist.

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