Introductory description

This module explores a range of key issues in contemporary intellectual property, which are subject to contentious and often crudely conducted debates.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

An Indicative list of topics under consideration might include:

• Can nature be patented? Do patents turn human persons into ‘things’?
• Who produces knowledge? Who owns access to knowledge?
• Is enforcing patents on pharmaceuticals in developing countries just?
• Does quoting or paraphrasing in literature or art amount to copying? Is creativity original?
• Is plagiarism theft? Kidnapping? Plain bad manners?
• What is the cultural and political significance of free software?
• Do trade marks commodify language?

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate systematic knowledge of contemporary issues in the various fields of intellectual property (copyright, patents, trade marks and neighbouring rights) in both the domestic and global arenas;
• Engage in informed scholarly debate over the principles and practices of intellectual property law as they arise in relation to topical issues;
• Propose creative reforms and solutions to contemporary intellectual property issues.
• Conduct comprehensive research and produce scholarly essays about contemporary issues and debates;
• Critically examine complex issues in a concentrated and detailed manner;
• Identify and critically debate the main issues at stake in the particular topic(s) being examined;
• Identify and critically evaluate the main literature and sources relevant to the subject.

Indicative reading list

A selection of indicative reading:

• M. Biagioli, P. Jaszi & M. Woodmansee (eds), Making and Unmaking of Intellectual Property. Creative Production in Legal and Cultural Perspective (Chicago, 2011)
• C. Hayden, When Nature Goes Public. The Making and Unmaking of Bioprospecting in Mexico (Princeton, 2003)
• N. Klein, No Logo (Picador, 2000)
• C. Lury, Brands. The Logos of Global Economy (Routledge, 2004)
• B. Sherman & L. Bently, The Making of Modern Intellectual Property Law (Cambridge, 1999)
• K. Sunder Rajan, Biocapital (Duke, 2006)

Research element

Research will be done for the final assessment.

Interdisciplinary

The module will draw on different disciplines to grasp the contemporary issues of intellectual property.

International

The module will engage with transnational and international analysis of contemporary intellectual problems.

Subject specific skills

Grasp systematic knowledge of contemporary issues in the various fields of intellectual property (copyright, patents, trade marks and neighbouring rights) in both the domestic and global arenas;

Practice informed scholarly debate ;

Propose creative reforms and solutions to law reform problems;

Conduct comprehensive research and produce scholarly essays;

Critical analysis;

Critical debate;

Problem identification;

Literature Review and analysis

Transferable skills

Grasp systematic knowledge of contemporary issues in the various fields of intellectual property (copyright, patents, trade marks and neighbouring rights) in both the domestic and global arenas;

Practice informed scholarly debate ;

Propose creative reforms and solutions to law reform problems;

Conduct comprehensive research and produce scholarly essays;

Critical analysis;

Critical debate;

Problem identification;

Literature Review and analysis