Intellectual Property Law

Module overview

This module will allow you to explore some key areas of intellectual property law, such as trademarks, copyright and patents. Emphasis is placed on the process of European Union (EU) harmonisation of intellectual property rights, and its implications for UK law, also in relation to Brexit.

Some of the questions addressed in this course include: What is an ‘invention’ and is it industrially application? Who can be considered an author? What does ‘originality’ mean in a copyright context? Do you need permission from the copyright holder to provide links to his/her content over the internet? Can you resell your videogames, ebooks and iTunes music tracks? What form of IP protection is available to those businesses that use signs and symbols in the course of trade? What is a trade mark, and what are its functions? What is character and personality merchandising, and how can you have someone endorse your products?

This module allows and encourages you to undertake a critical analysis of the state of the law in the field of trademarks, copyright and patents, as well as international influences and the impact of harmonisation at the EU level.

Whilst seminar materials are provided, significant emphasis is placed on self-learning, enabling the seminars to concentrate on specific topics and issues.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

The main principles of UK and EU law in relation to trademark, copyright and patents and the key policy issues related to them
Current recommendations for reform.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

undertake critical analysis of legal material and relevant legal issues
apply the law in relation to trademarks, copyright and patents;
make use of developed research skills and knowledge of relevant legal resources in preparation for classes;
demonstrate developed competence in the use of key online and offline IP legal resources.
critically analyse the law in relation to trademarks, copyright and patents;

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

solve appropriate problems
demonstrate your ability to clearly communicate and discuss complex ideas and arguments in writing indicating an appreciation of academic integrity.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching follows a seminar format with weekly 2-hour classes, unless there is significant number of students on the module. In that case the module will be taught by weekly 2-hourly lectures and fortnightly 2 hourly tutorials.

Learning activities are partially directed by selective suggestions: but – as is felt appropriate for a Part 3 commercial law subject – you are also encouraged to engage in self-directed learning, particularly in preparation for classes.

Preparation for and participation in classes will develop your:

Understanding of and ability to apply and critically analyse the laws of copyright and designs;
Skills in managing and researching diverse legal sources.

Study time
Type	Hours
Independent Study	130
Seminar	20
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Christie, A and Gare, S. Blackstone's Statues on Intellectual Property. Blackstone's Statute Series.

Brown, A, Kheria, S, Cornwell, J and Iljadica, N (2019). Contemporary Intellectual Property. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Assessment

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Mock exam

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Examination	100%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Examination	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.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Examination	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External