Intellectual Property PhD – Herchel Smith Scholarships 2026 In UK

Are you an exceptional early-career researcher with a first-class honors or distinction Master’s ready to pioneer groundbreaking work in intellectual property law? The Intellectual Property PhD – Herchel Smith Scholarships 2026-2027 are now open! Funded by the Herchel Smith legacy at Queen Mary University of London, this fully funded program awards up to 3 scholarships covering full tuition (Home/International rate) and a £17,000 annual stipend for 3 years of full-time PhD research. Ranked top 10 UK law school for research, QMUL’s School of Law hosts the prestigious QMIPRI. Don’t miss your chance to contribute to IP frontiers and apply by March 26, 2026!

Overview of Intellectual Property PhD – Herchel Smith Scholarships 2026-2027

Host University: Queen Mary University of London (School of Law)
Country: United Kingdom
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligible Nationalities: All countries
Study Level: PhD
Number of Awards: Up to 3
Program Duration: 3 years full-time (6 years part-time)
Application Deadline: March 26, 2026

The Herchel Smith Scholarships 2026-2027 honor Dr. Herchel Smith, supporting PhD students in IP law and interdisciplinary intersections, with up to 6 hours/week research support for QMIPRI.

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Eligible Research Areas

Focus on transformative IP themes:

IPRs and public/private international law
IPRs and intangible cultural/scientific heritage
IPRs and human rights
Doctrine of functionality
IP law in art promotion/regulation
IP and international trade (e.g., patents in stem cells, TM in tobacco packaging)
IP transactions (e.g., Premier League broadcasting licensing)
TRIPS with regional/national law (e.g., European Patent Convention)
Philosophy of IP
Primary/secondary IP markets
Art 102 TFEU in “double identity” TM cases
Property rights in persona
IP enforcement
Exhaustion and licensing

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Scholarship Benefits

The Herchel Smith Scholarships 2026-2027 cover:

Full tuition fees (3 years full-time)
Annual stipend: £17,000 (reviewed annually)
Research support duties (up to 6 hours/week)

Eligibility Criteria for Intellectual Property PhD Scholarships 2026

To qualify:

New PhD applicant starting September 2026
First-class honors Bachelor’s or Master’s with Distinction in law/law-related field
English proficiency: IELTS 7.0 overall (7.0 Writing, 5.5 others) or TOEFL 100+
Research proposal aligned with IP themes
Commitment to IP community participation

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Required Documents

Online PhD application form
Research proposal (1,000 words max: interest, experience, publications)
CV
Academic transcripts/diplomas
2 academic references
English test scores
Proof of funding (indicate Herchel Smith interest)
Additional qualifications (e.g., translations)

Application Timeline

Applications Open: September 2025
Deadline: March 26, 2026
Review: April 2026
Results: May 2026
Start: September 2026

How to Apply for Intellectual Property PhD – Herchel Smith Scholarships 2026

PhD Application: QMUL Portal; select full-time/part-time PhD in Law.
Funding Section: State “School of Law Herchel Smith award applicant.”
Details: List scholarships/grants, specify Herchel Smith.
Upload: Proposal, CV, transcripts, references, English scores.
Submit: By March 26.
Contact if Needed: Email skehan@qmul.ac.uk if prior submission.

Why Choose the Intellectual Property PhD – Herchel Smith Scholarships?

Full funding at UK top 10 law research school
£17,000 stipend + fees
QMIPRI access: Industry/government advisors
London: Global IP hub
Independence: No teaching required

Additional Opportunities

Tips for a Successful Intellectual Property PhD – Herchel Smith Scholarships Application

Proposal Focused: 1,000 words on IP theme
Publications: Highlight relevant work
IELTS 7.0: Writing 7.0 essential
Early: September 2025 start
References: Academic on IP potential

Conclusion

The Herchel Smith Scholarships 2026-2027 fund IP PhD excellence with £17,000 stipends at QMUL. Shape IP law and apply by March 26, 2026!

Queen Mary University Official Website for applications.

Ehsas Kafaalat