Module overview
To those interested in intellectual property (IP) law these are incredibly challenging and exciting times. At the EU level, debate around further harmonisation and review especially of copyright law has intensified over the past few years, and is very lively at the moment also on account of the activity (and activism) of the Court of Justice of the European Union. EU Member States have been reforming their own laws, also to provide a legal environment that favours innovation and creativity. Reform proposals have been also tabled in a number of Asian countries and Australia, considering whether the approaches under US and EU laws should be also taken there.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Suggest possible legal developments to improve the efficiency and fairness of IP laws in a cross-border perspective.
- Explain the national, regional or international institutional framework of IP laws and the relevant policy debates with regard to exclusive rights, exceptions and limitations, and enforcement.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Undertake independent research and access primary and secondary sources effectively.
- Analyse complex written texts and evaluate different types of arguments.
- Construct arguments and solve problems based on premises drawn from various sources.
- Communicate arguments effectively and reference sources appropriately.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The national, regional or international institutional framework of IP laws, as well as the relevant policy discourse with regard to exclusive rights, exceptions and limitations, and enforcement.
- Possible legal developments to improve the efficiency and fairness of IP laws in a cross-border perspective.
Syllabus
The module follows a thematic approach around some principal issues in the domain of IP, and reviews key developments and reform proposals advanced in a number of jurisdictions. More specifically, attention focuses on three major topics:
(1) the scope of exclusive rights granted by IP;
(2) exceptions and limitations to exclusive rights;
(3) enforcement of IP rights, both online and offline.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
Weekly 2 hour seminars
Online materials with clickable links
A forum on Blackboard for the exchange of ideas and information
Learning activities include:
Direct reading from a selection of primary and secondary materials followed by analysis of those materials
Presentation of prepared material in class and discussion of the issues raised
Analysis of online materials and embedded web links contained in seminar materials from the Blackboard online learning resource
Preparation for and participation in weekly seminars will develop:
The knowledge required for satisfaction of ‘knowledge and understanding’ learning outcomes
Your ability to:
(i) critically evaluate and assess the evolution and key debates surrounding IP
(ii)assess the nature of the various interests and rights at hand
(iii)apply the rules studied to factual situations
Transferable skills
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 130 |
| Teaching | 20 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
.. Further essential reading materials will be provided during the module electronically and on paper, well in advance of relevant sessions
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Draft piece
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Formative assignment feedback will be in the form of written feedback on the assessment feedback sheets, general feedback posted to Blackboard and oral feedback in class.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
- Percentage contribution: 100%
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exam | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exam | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exam | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External