The first edition of the WIPO Joint Master of Laws (LL.M.) Program in Intellectual Property (IP) and Business Law offered with Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU), the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, concluded on July 9, 2025. The graduating cohort included eighteen participants from India, Kazakhstan, the United Republic of Tanzania and Uzbekistan who successfully completed the LL.M. program which ran from September 2, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
The graduation ceremony was held at the MNU campus in Astana, Kazakhstan with Mr. Daniel Vaissov, Vice Minister of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan presenting the diplomas to the graduates alongside Mr. Sergey Pen, Provost of MNU. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mr. Talgat Narikbayev, Chairman of the Board of MNU. The presence of the senior representatives underscored the importance of the new LL.M program, which was the first of its kind launched in 2024 in the Central Asian region to build critical knowledge and skills for the next generation of IP professionals to use IP effectively.
What does the LL.M. in IP and Business Law cover?
The LL.M. in IP and Business Law program innovates legal education within the Eurasian region. It is uniquely designed to cater to the needs of the dynamic landscape of IP and Business Law, offering a comprehensive curriculum taught in both English and Russian.
The graduates completed distance learning and residential phases, which culminated in an applied research project. Participants benefitted from lectures taught by MNU and WIPO sponsored international professors, which covered topics such as:
- IP law;
- IP asset management and strategy in business;
- International business law;
- IP in the Eurasian context;
- Patent information and IP governance; and
- Licensing IP and commercializing innovation.
What our graduates are saying?
As a legal professional working in the field of intellectual property in Kazakhstan, it has been an honor to be part of the first graduating class of the Joint WIPO-MNU LL.M. in Intellectual Property (IP) and Business Law. The program provided a solid academic foundation in IP, dispute resolution, and the intersection of law, business, and innovation, guided by the distinguished faculty of the WIPO Academy and MNU, whose expertise and mentorship made the experience truly invaluable. An equally rewarding part of the program was the opportunity to engage with classmates from diverse backgrounds and countries, whose perspectives enriched every discussion and broadened my own understanding of IP in a global context. Beyond being a degree, the program fostered a dynamic community of future leaders in IP law, and I am proud to have been part of its very first chapter. I am deeply grateful for the knowledge, connections, and inspiration it has given me and that will continue to guide me forward.
– Mr. Bauyrzhan Zhanadilov, WIPO Academy alumnus
I feel incredibly fortunate to have completed the Joint Master's Program in Intellectual Property (IP) and Business Law, organized by Maqsut Narikbayev University in partnership with the WIPO Academy. From the outset, the program stood out due to its international character and comprehensive design. It brought together a diverse and talented cohort of students and professors from around the world, fostering an inspiring academic environment where we could engage in meaningful dialogue about the challenges and innovations in the IP landscape. One of the most valuable aspects was the opportunity to study under the guidance of globally recognized professors and experts with long-standing experience in international organizations, law firms, academia, and policymaking. Their perspectives added exceptional depth to our studies and highlighted the real-world applications of IP law and policy. Another remarkable strength of the program was its interdisciplinary focus. Rather than treating IP law in isolation, it incorporated the economic, technological, and commercial dimensions of IP. This broader lens helped us understand how IP interacts with markets, international trade, and policy, offering a more holistic view of its importance in fostering innovation and creativity. This program not only advanced my professional qualifications but also reaffirmed my passion for the field of IP.
– Ms. Misson Magay, WIPO Academy alumna
My year with the WIPO LLM program at MNU University in Astana was a transformative journey. The program's commitment to a multicultural learning environment, where diverse perspectives enriched every discussion, was truly invaluable. Learning from the WIPO Academy and MNU alongside classmates from various backgrounds, provided a truly global understanding of intellectual property. The modern facilities at MNU, coupled with the rigorous and comprehensive curriculum, created an ideal setting for deep learning and professional networking. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking to make a significant impact in the field of IP.
– Mr. Daulet Karimov, WIPO Academy alumnus