Intellectual Property Law in a Global World

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

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.
Communicate arguments effectively and reference sources appropriately.
Construct arguments and solve problems based on premises drawn from various sources.

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.

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.

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

Study time
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

Summative

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

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Exam	100%

Referral

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

Breakdown
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.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Exam	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External