International Trade Law Course | WTO, GATT, TRIPS | IIT Kharagpur
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 315 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Law |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 16 Feb 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 27 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Navigating the Global Marketplace: A Comprehensive Guide to International Trade Law
In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding the legal frameworks that govern global commerce is not just an advantage—it's a necessity. International Trade Law forms the backbone of cross-border transactions, influencing everything from the price of goods to the resolution of multi-million dollar disputes between nations. For students and professionals in law, business, and economics, mastering this complex field is key to unlocking opportunities in the global arena.
We are excited to introduce a detailed 8-week online course on International Trade Law, meticulously designed and taught by one of India's foremost authorities on the subject, Prof. KD Raju from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. This course offers a deep dive into the principles, agreements, and institutions that shape world trade.
Learn from an Esteemed Expert: Prof. KD Raju
Your learning journey will be guided by a scholar of exceptional caliber. Prof. Raju K.D. is a Professor of Law at the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, IIT Kharagpur. His academic journey includes a Fulbright Scholarship for doctoral studies at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA, and he is a recipient of the Microsoft Outstanding Young Faculty Award.
With a prolific publishing record including eight books, 35 book chapters, and 50 peer-reviewed articles on topics like WTO jurisprudence, IP law, and competition law, Prof. Raju brings both theoretical depth and practical insight to the classroom. His extensive experience in teaching International Trade Law ensures that the course content is both rigorous and accessible.
Who Should Enroll in This Course?
This course is expertly crafted for a diverse audience seeking to build or enhance their expertise in global trade mechanisms:
- Law Students aiming to specialize in international economic law or commercial law.
- MBA Students and business professionals who need to understand the legal environment of international business.
- Economics Students interested in the institutional and regulatory aspects of global trade.
- Professionals in industries engaged in import/export, logistics, and global supply chains.
Prerequisite: A bachelor's degree in any discipline. A basic understanding of legal or economic concepts is helpful but not mandatory.
Course Overview: What You Will Learn
Structured over eight intensive weeks, the course provides a systematic exploration of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its core agreements. You will move from foundational concepts to specialized legal instruments, gaining a holistic view of the international trading system.
Detailed Course Layout
| Week | Core Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to the World Trading System; History of Indian Trade; Formation of GATT; The Uruguay Round and creation of the WTO. |
| Week 2 | World Agriculture Trade; The WTO Agriculture Agreement; Domestic Support systems (Green, Amber, Blue Boxes); Food Security concerns. |
| Week 3 | Rules of Dumping and Anti-Dumping; Determining Injury and defining Domestic Industry; Procedural aspects; Indian Anti-Dumping Laws. |
| Week 4 | Agreement on Sanitary & Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures; Risk Assessment; SPS vs. TBT Agreement; Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT); Role of FSSAI in India. |
| Week 5 | General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS); Four Modes of Service Supply; Opening of India's Legal Sector; Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMs). |
| Week 6 | Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS); Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights; Geographical Indications; The Doha Declaration. |
| Week 7 | Agreement on Customs Valuation (CV); Methods of Calculating Value; Indian Customs Valuation Laws; Pre-Shipment Inspection. |
| Week 8 | Dispute Settlement under GATT/WTO; Panel Proceedings; Appellate Body Proceedings; Analysis of landmark cases. |
Essential Reading Materials
To complement the video lectures and discussions, the course recommends several key texts, including works by the instructor himself, providing you with direct access to authoritative sources:
- Raju, K.D. – WTO and India
- Jackson, John H. – The Jurisprudence of GATT and the WTO: Insights on Treaty Law and Economic Relations
- Raju, K.D. – WTO Agreement on Anti-dumping (Kluwer Law International)
- WTO Official Online Resources – For primary legal texts and case reports.
Why This Course is Essential for Your Career
Industry Relevance: Every industry engaged in cross-border trade—from manufacturing and agriculture to IT services and pharmaceuticals—operates within the framework of WTO rules. Knowledge of anti-dumping measures, customs valuation, SPS standards, and TRIPS is crucial for compliance, strategic planning, and risk management.
This course equips you with the analytical tools to:
- Interpret complex trade agreements and their implications for business.
- Understand how trade disputes are initiated and resolved.
- Navigate the regulatory requirements for entering foreign markets.
- Advise on protecting intellectual property in a global context.
Embark on this eight-week journey to demystify the rules of global trade. Whether you aspire to be a trade lawyer, a policy maker, an international business strategist, or an informed academic, this course led by Prof. KD Raju of IIT Kharagpur will provide you with the foundational knowledge and expert insights to excel in the dynamic field of International Trade Law.
Enroll Now →