module specification

Intellectual Property Law is a 30 week module providing students with a thorough understanding of intellectual property law in a modern commercial context. 

As well as studying the traditional features of trademarks, copyright, patents, designs (overview) and EU IP competition law, students also consider the twenty-first century digital environment and contemporary commercial and governmental policy issues. 

The subject is very important for all businesses, marketing, media & creative industries as well as high-technology developers (e.g. IT and biotechnology) and it is taught with a contemporary and challenging focus.

Assessment is by a combination of coursework and examination.

The module will be of interest to all students who wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of intellectual property protection and understand the importance of protecting creativity and innovation in a global economy.

The module is relevant for a range of careers in law, commerce, the media and industry.

1. Introduction                        LO 1 and 2

Commercial awareness of intellectual property law in a global context
Modern governmental, commercial and economic policy issues in relation to IP protection and its impact on the social environment.

2. Trademarks                       LO 1 and 2

International legal protection of trade marks through registration and common law protection
Infringement
Defences
Remedies

3. Copyright                         LO 1 and 2

International legal protection of copyright in literary, dramatic, musical, artistic works, sound recordings, films, broadcasts and published editions
Protection of confidential information and trade secrets both within a business and social context with emphasis on the media industries

4. Patents                           LO 1 and 2

International patent protection of innovative inventions and product designs
Commercial exploitation through licensing and technology transfer agreements

5. The Digital Environment                   LO 1 and 2

The commercial aspects of trade marks, copyright, patents and designs within a digital environment with particular emphasis on new technologies (e.g. biotechnology) and the internet

6. The Global Economy                   LO 1 and 2

The implications of IP protection in the European Union and in the wider global economy

Learning & Teaching Strategy

Weekly two-hour lecture and one-hour seminar. 

The lecture will be used for:

Dissemination of knowledge through an overview of each topic with detailed guidance on appropriate aspects;
An introduction to relevant academic literature;
Guidance on learning strategies;
Use of blackboard and IT resources;
Whole group questions and discussion.

The seminar will be used for:

Development of skills necessary to attain the module learning outcomes through:
Written and oral questions/answers designed to reinforce fundamental rules/principles/cases;
A range of step by step writing exercises;
IT tasks such as research of cases and statutes
Problem-solving
Critical analysis
Legal writing

Blended Learning

All learning materials, previous examination questions and sample Q/A’s will be on blackboard for use in directed private study.

Student engagement will be encouraged in both lectures and seminars through weekly use of Weblearn for access to all of the above materials.

There will be required use of the professional legal databases, especially Westlaw and Lexis Library, for legal research

Opportunities for reflective learning/pdp

Each weekly seminar will contain space for students to reflect on what they have learnt in relation to the overall syllabus. There will be frequent feedback opportunities structured into the timetable and a range of sample answers posted onto Weblearn.

Employability

Employability strategy will aim to acquaint students with a range of employment avenues both in the legal profession and in those professions into which legal qualifications and skills are transferable. The module is particularly relevant for a range of careers in law, commerce, the media and industry.

Student’s Study Responsibilities

The need for attendance, punctuality, preparation and engagement will be emphasised with particular reference to written and IT research, problem-solving, team-work, discussion, debate and critical awareness of the subject.

On successful completion of this module, the students will be able to:

1. Independently research and appraise a contentious case-study within the law of equity and trusts and to draft professional style legal documents in relation to the issues arising.

2. Demonstrate the ability to propose analytical solutions to legal problems and to assess, appraise and critically analyse contemporary issues relating to the law of equity and trusts in a time-constrained environment.

Description of assessment items.

1. Legal Drafting Exercise

The students will draft preparatory legal documents relating to a realistic case-study involving issues of the law of equity and trusts.

2. Online exam:  3 days to submit paper  via Turnitin

Core Texts:
Bainbridge, DI, Intellectual Property (Longman)
Bently, L. & B Sherman, Intellectual Property Law (OUP)

Other Texts:

Christie, A, S Gare, Blackstone's Statutes on Intellectual Property (OUP)
Colston, C, Principles of Intellectual Property Law (Cavendish)
Cornish, W (ed), Cases and Materials on Intellectual Property (Sweet and Maxwell)
Hart, T, & L Fazzani, Intellectual Property Law (Palgrave Macmillan)
MacQueen, HL, C Waelde & G Laurie, Contemporary Intellectual Property (OUP)
Torremans, P, Holyoak and Torremans Intellectual Property Law (OUP)

Journals:

European Intellectual Property Review
Law Quarterly Review

Websites:

UK Intellectual Property Office: http://www.ipo.gov.uk/
European Patent Office: http://www.european-patent-office.org/
World Intellectual Property Organisation: http://www.wipo.int/portal/index.html.en
UK Government Legislation: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN): http://www.icann.org

Electronic Databases:

Westlaw
Lexis Library