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Centre for Commercial Law Studies

Constantin Hoferer (2016)

Constantin completed his LLM in Intellectual Property Law at CCLS in 2016 and now he is working as an Attorney-at-law, In-House Legal Counsel for Open Source Software at Daimler AG (Parental Holding for Mercedes-Benz). Read more here:

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How did you come to choose to study at CCLS?

During my undergraduate studies in Germany and Hong Kong I had the chance to dive into Intellectual Property law and developed a passion for this area. I knew from prior research and recommendations of IP practitioners that the Queen Mary Intellectual Property Research Institute enjoyed - and still enjoys – the highest recognition in the world of IP. Being taught by absolute experts in the field and benefiting from the great network CCLS had built (whilst living in London) determined my decision.        

What is your favourite memory from your time as a student at CCLS?

Let me name one favourite out of many, rather than the favourite. When studying at CCLS I had the chance to become part of the CCLS Moot team that qualified for the oral finals of the Oxford International IP Law Moot. We spent weeks and months getting our Submissions to Court ready and then stood and pleaded against each other in mock trials in the halls of Oxford Colleges. Always motivated, encouraged and supported by our coach Metka and the CCLS crew. Representing Queen Mary and CCLS was a definite highlight - I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I feel the same about the graduation ceremony by the way - magical days.

What does being a member of the CCLS community mean to you?

There are several dimensions to that. Obviously the professional, but also the personal one. I had several occasions since leaving CCLS where I got in touch with my peers, my CCLS community, to discuss professional development and search for advice. Anybody I approached in this way did not hesitate for a moment to support me, despite ‘only’ being an alumnus. And then there are the personal friendships coming from the CCLS community that continue until today and have provided many happy encounters in India, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, and still counting.

How did your CCLS experience contribute to your career?

When pursuing my career after my CCLS experience, I realised that I had gained quite a lot of practical experience that was ready to be applied and gave me a kick-start in the corporate world. And obviously, QMUL is known for IP. People value that when interviewing but also negotiating with you.

Why do you think prospective students should study at CCLS?

Because they are going to have the time of their life. From the on-boarding week to graduation, CCLS offers a great experience. Class sizes are perfectly equipped to ensure interaction with the professors but also to foster discussions between the students. The high quality of academia, additional offers such as Law Clinic (qLegal), the career development program and moot coaching speaks for itself.

 

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