This module provides students with an understanding of the main categories of intellectual property right protected by law, namely copyright, patent and trade mark, as well as associated rights such as trade secrecy protection and protection of geographic indications of origin.
The principal aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the main categories of intellectual property right protected by law, namely copyright, patent and trade mark, as well as associated rights such as trade secrecy protection and protection of geographic indications of origin.
In recent years, the intangible knowledge assets protected by intellectual property law have assumed increasing global and commercial significance, bringing to attention a range of issues associated with the protection, exploitation and use of rights to intellectual objects. They are also subject to significant conflicts, such as between Internet users and record labels on the Internet, or the role of patents in hindering access to medicines in developing countries. This module offers an introduction to this global architecture of law and policy relating to intellectual property, but with an emphasis on how these international laws have been incorporated into the UK system. The primary aim of the module is for students to be aware of the global context for intellectual property protection, be familiar with the categories of right protected, as well as how these rights are the subject of conflicts between competing stakeholders.
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.
Session 1 & 2 : An introduction to IP law - This session provides an introduction to theoretical aspects of IP systems with a reference to different instruments of IP (e.g. patents, trade marks, copyrights, geographical indications, etc.) and reviews theories justifying and rationalising IP protection. It considers the ‘globalisation’ and harmonisation of the standards of IP protection, drawing out the Uruguay Round negotiations.
Session 3: Trade marks - This part of the module will examine the use of signs or symbols in trade to indicate the origin of goods or services. It will explore fundamental issues of trade marks, namely, the subject matters, the absolute and relative grounds for refusal, trademarks infringements and defences under the UK Trade Mark Act 1994 with reference to EU/US trademark legislation.
Session 4: Geographical indications - We will look into the definition of geographical indications and what are the requirements for a sign to be registered as a geographical indication.
Session 5: Breach of confidence and trade secret. Trade secret is a recent development within IP rights. We will explore the historical development of trade secret in the UK dating back to the doctrine of breach of confidence. We will further look into the new 2016 EU Directive 2016/943 on the protection of trade secrets and compare it with the US Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016.
Session 6: Patents - The patent system has played an important, yet controversial role in the international development, exploitation and diffusion of various technologies. This session examines the justifications for patents and considers its historical developments. It will explore substantive patent provisions in TRIPS and UK/European Law.
Session 7: Patents - This will explore the interface between the patent system and access to medicine and/ or software.
Session 8: Copyrights - This unit examines the fundamental concepts of copyrights such as the subject matters, type of works, exceptions, and infringement, drawing on UK/EU and US law. It will discuss the concept of moral rights under the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 in comparison with the French concept of Droit Moral.
Session 9: Copyright of digital content and in a digital environment. This will include the copyright of software, computer-generated works, and issues associated to the internet.
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
No subject specific skills defined for this module.
No transferable skills defined for this module.
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 9 sessions of 2 hours (9%) |
| Seminars | 9 sessions of 1 hour (4%) |
| Private study | 123 hours (62%) |
| Assessment | 50 hours (25%) |
| Total | 200 hours |
No private study requirements defined for this module.
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4000 word essay | 100% | 50 hours | No |
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Students should answer one out of the available listed questions. |
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This module is Optional for:
This module is Core option list B for:
This module is Option list B for: