15 August - 30 September 2011. Registration is now open for the UNITAR/South Centre E-Learning Course on Intellectual Property Policy and Development, which will be offered through the Internet from 15 August to 30 September 2011 (seven weeks).

This executive-level course, which has been developed jointly with South Centre, an Intergovernmental Organization of developing countries, is intended to educate and enable government delegates, public and private sector officials in charge of IP related issues, and other stakeholders to further understand the linkages between IP and development.

Designed for officials and professionals in full-time work, this instructor-led online course which emphasizes networking of professionals and experts as well as discussion of case studies through the UNITAR Virtual Learning Environment, will provide participants with the necessary background knowledge to conduct strong analysis and research on IP policy issues, to effectively participate in policy discussions and multilateral negotiations, and to address IP issues in legislation, regulations and guidelines.

With the aim of facilitating the participation of officials and professionals from developing countries, all participants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and low income economies will be offered a reduced tuition fee. In addition, South Centre and UNITAR will select up to 30 applicants from public sector institutions of LDCs who will be accepted to the course free of charge on a fellowship basis.

Further information and registration is available at: http://www.unitar.org/event/unitarsouth-centre-intellectual-property-policy-and-development

For other UNITAR online courses please see our course calendar at: http://www.unitar.org/pft/event

For additional information about South Centre, please see http://www.southcentre.org