Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Guide

While UTS may be prepared to grant suitably qualified applicants recognition of prior learning or exemption from one or more subjects in these award programs for the purpose of grant of the UTS award it is our current understanding that the Professional Standards Board for Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys (PSB) has taken the position that it has no power to recognise, for the purpose of registration as a Patent Attorney or a Trade Marks Attorney, exemptions granted by a University.

Accordingly while UTS may grant an exemption toward the

Graduate Certificate in Trade Marks Law and Practice
or
Master of Industrial Property

If you intend to seek registration by the PSB as an Attorney you will need to seek exemption from the PSB.

For further information about the Professional Standards Board for Patent and Trade Marks Attorney and its approach to exemptions please see the PSB (Website)

UTS will normally grant exemptions from another institution where the subject which is the basis of the application has been accredited by the PSB. 

UTS Law Faculty will generally consider applications for exemption based on successfully completed subjects at another Australian Law Faculty or Law School within 6 years of the commencement of the semester for which exemption is sought. However grant of exemption depends upon whether essentially the same subject matter has been covered in similar depth. In cases where major legislative reform has taken place in the interim it is unlikely that exemptions will be granted.

Note that the UTS subjects relate to Australian law and practice. Exemptions will not be granted based on subjects which are not primarily directed to Australian law and practice.

Applicants with an Australian law degree, or who have completed a recognised "legal Process" type subject at an Australian law faculty or law school will be granted exemption from the Legal Process component of "Legal Process and Overview of Intellectual Property". Exemption from the IP Overview component of this subject depends upon satisfactory completion of intellectual property subjects which cover all major topics. Where exemption is granted for Legal Process but not Overview a separate Overview assessment task will be set.

Exemptions for subjects like Patent Law, Trade Marks Law, Trade Marks Practice, Designs Law and Practice or Patent Systems will not be granted on the basis of topics studied in a general survey Intellectual Property subject.