The LLM in International Commercial Law at the University of Johannesburg (the flagship programme of the Faculty of Law) is designed to be completed by full-time students within one year and by part-time students over two years. The programme consists of the modules International Commercial Law A, B, and C, as well as a minor dissertation on a topic in International Commercial Law. International Commercial Law A and B are offered during the first semester and International Commercial Law C during the second.

The LLM programme provides the student with an overview of the private-law aspects of international trade, with an emphasis on private international legal issues. The conflicts-orientation of the course indeed makes it unique and a wide comparative approach is taken in this regard, comprising legal systems in Africa, Australasia, Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and North and South America, together with the relevant regional, supranational and international instruments in this field. Most lectures are offered by Prof Jan L Neels, distinguished professor of International Commercial Law and director of the Research Centre for Private International Law in Emerging Countries at the University of Johannesburg. Prof Neels was a member of the working group responsible for the drafting of the Hague Principles on Choice of Law in International Commercial Contracts and the official commentary on the Principles under the auspices of the Hague Conference on Private International Law. He is a member of the Governing Council of UNIDROIT in Rome. UJ has formal agreements in place... [-]

“The future of the nation depends in no small part on the efficiency of industry, and the efficiency of the industry depends in no small part on the protection of intellectual property.” Judge Richard Posner in Rockwell Graphic Systems, Inc. v. DEV Industries, 925 F.2d 174 (7th Cir. 1991)

The field of intellectual property (IP) reaches wide, and is probably the most dynamic field of law, as it constantly changes. What does it relate to? The nature of IP is best understood through a comparison with other, tangible, forms of property. One example is immovable property, such as a piece of land.

Other examples are things, such as a vehicle, a watch, or a soccer ball. In these instances, one has rights to the object itself. In other words, your rights would be infringed if the object is destroyed. The position with IP is different. An example might be a patent for a pair of night vision binoculars. The intellectual property rights of the patentee would not be infringed if the binoculars are destroyed. The reason for this is that it is the invention that is protected and not the binoculars. IP is, accordingly, that body of law that regulates the creation and utilization of immaterial property, and the enforcement of resultant rights. The objects of the various IP rights typically include patents, copyright, registered designs, and trademarks.... [-]

Recent substantive legislative reforms have led to increased demand for expertise in the field of corporate and securities law. An LLM in Corporate Law provides the ideal foundation for specializing in this popular focus area. UJ is unique in offering four dedicated corporate law modules.

The Master’s in Corporate Law can be completed in one year for full-time students and over two years for part-time students. It consists of a minor dissertation on a corporate law topic together with three taught modules as set out below:

Company Law (first semester)

This compulsory module, which anchors the LLM in Corporate Law, essentially deals with problematic aspects of corporate personality: the nature of legal personality and piercing the corporate veil; corporate capacity; corporate criminal liability; corporate social responsibility; corporate governance; directors’ duties and liability; shareholder protection; creditor protection; corporate groups and companies and the constitution. Specific aspects of the South African company law are considered against a conceptual or theoretical basis. This module is presented by Professor Kathleen van der Linde. Plus any two of the following:... [-]

Many large corporate and commercial transactions take place in Johannesburg, South Africa’s economic hub. The UJ Law Faculty is thus well placed to offer a highly relevant LLM in Commercial Law, drawing students from leading commercial firms. The team of lecturers involved, combine intellectual leadership and cutting-edge practical insight which is reflected in their teaching.

The Master’s in Commercial Law is a flexible qualification allowing a wide choice of modules that can be combined according to the interests and focus of each student. It can be completed in one year for full-time students and over two years for part-time students.

This qualification consists of a minor dissertation on a commercial law topic together with three taught modules selected from the following:... [-]