Over the summer of 2024, we ran our second Summer of IP outreach campaign. Its purpose was to raise awareness of and improve access to IP-related careers. IP sector employers from across the UK hosted a range of open evenings, taster days, workshops and work experience opportunities. It proved hugely popular, not only among participating students but also among the IP professionals and employers who provided events and opportunities for them.
IP sector employer Burley Law Limited hosted groups of talented students and graduates at their Summer of IP taster days in their Birmingham office. One attendee was Anupreet, a first-year law student, who delivered an insightful presentation on the intellectual property laws surrounding Taylor Swift’s work. Discover more about her experience and the impact of the programme below.
Anupreet writes:
Hello. My name is Anupreet. I have just started my first year at university studying law.
Why did you apply to take part in Burley Law’s Summer of IP event?
I applied to Burley Law’s Summer of IP event to learn more about intellectual property. I was introduced to intellectual property by attending a previous work experience event. There I learnt about the Colin and Cuthbert case. This intrigued me as I had questions on how the law protects intellectual property and the various intellectual property protections such as trade marks. The case itself made me aware of intellectual property found in everyday life such as brand logos.
In addition to this, I applied to Burley Law’s Summer of IP as the agenda of the day intrigued me. This included a legal research task and various workshops on CVs and applications tips. I applied to this event as it included a practical element such as writing emails and reviewing a contract. I also applied for the opportunity to present to the firm’s directors, Des and Liz Burley, as this would provide an opportunity to improve my presentation skills.
What were your favourite parts of the taster day?
My favourite part of the taster day was talking to Burley Law’s team and asking questions about their roles and day-to-day life. I learnt about registering trade marks in different classes. The opportunity to network and get to know the team better was rewarding. I learnt about their routes into the legal profession. There was also an opportunity where we all had lunch together! I enjoyed the sense of community.
Also, I enjoyed completing the legal research tasks. This included drafting an email to a fictitious client and going through a contract to identify the mistakes. This was a challenge as it was my first time seeing a contract. Another favourite part of the taster day included presenting on “Taylor’s Version”. This was challenging but rewarding as I spent time preparing before the taster day. This was one of my favourite parts as I could speak to the firm’s directors about a fairly recent case. I also gained knowledge about the Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act 1988 through my research. I spoke about music copyright, legal issues, trademarks and key lessons from the case.
Has this opportunity inspired you to pursue a career in IP? If so, why?
This opportunity has inspired me to consider pursuing a career in IP. I learnt more about the sector through asking questions and the type of work IP solicitors and paralegals do. I learnt that IP is found everywhere from logos, brand names and business ideas to artwork, fashion and shoe designs. Researching about “Taylor’s Version” has also inspired me as I enjoyed learning about the legalities of the case as well as problems and solutions. I am thinking of studying the Intellectual Property Law module at university in my final year!
Any other feedback?
This experience was enriching as I was being challenged with the legal research tasks. This was an insightful opportunity as I learnt about the structure of a contract. This was new to me! The opportunity to see a contract early on in my legal journey is incredible. I enjoyed Burley Law’s Summer of IP event.
We’d like to express our thanks to Anupreet for this wonderful write-up of her experience and to the team at Burley Law for their enthusiastic support of Summer of IP and for providing these inspiring opportunities.
Last Updated: November 5, 2024