Intellectual Property Law represents attempts to balance the rights of inventors of products, processes or original work with the demands from society at large to have access to such products or works. A monopoly is granted in respect of a patentable product, for example, in return for making public the invention. Others may then be able to use the knowledge to develop further. One of the themes of the course is the evaluation of the extent to which the law achieves a reasonable compromise between these competing interests.

In Teaching Block 1 you will study:
- Copyright,
- Trademarks
- Passing off

In Teaching Block 2 you will study:
- Patents,
- Design Rights
- Breach of Confidence.

Lectures - will provide an overview of the topics and outline the learning strategies to be used – 1 hour per week for 24 weeks = 24 hours
Workshops - will be used to explore aspects of the topic in greater depth using a variety of strategies including problem-based and active learning. 2 hours per week for 24 weeks = tutorial fortnightly = 48 hours
Directed Study and Independent Learning - Students will be required to carry out a substantial amount of independent reading and research in preparation for workshops. This will enable students to develop cognitive skill such as analysis and evaluation, professional and personal skills and obviously key transferable skills such as effective communication. In addition students should be able to make a more meaningful contribution to discussions, and assessment performance will benefit = 228 hours
Total = 300 hours

3000 word assignment, which will assess Learning Outcomes 1- 6 (50%)

Unseen 2 hour examination, which will assess Learning Outcomes 1-4 (50%)

To pass this module, students must obtain an overall mark of at least 40%.

In addition there will be one formative assessment in each of the two Teaching Blocks.

Appropriate texts, legislation and case law
Module Study guide
Blackboard

Norman, H: Intellectual Property Law, (2nd ed., Oxford, OUP, 2014)
Bainbridge, D: Intellectual Property (9th ed., Pearson, 2012 )

1. IDENTIFY THE APPROPRIATE FORM OF PROTECTION AVAILABLE TO THE INNOVATOR/CREATOR OF NEW 'PRODUCTS'
Analysis

2. EXPLAIN AND APPLY THE CRITERIA TO BE SATISFIED IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE DIFFERENT FORMS OF PROTECTION
Problem Solving

3. EXPLAIN THE RELEVANT LEGAL PRINCIPLES IN A CLEAR AND MEANINGFUL WAY
Knowledge and Understanding

4. APPLY THE RELEVANT LAW TO PROBLEM BASED CASE STUDIES.
Application

5. CRITICALLY EVALUATE THE SUCCESS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW IN ACHIEVING A BALANCE BETWEEN REWARDING INITIATIVES AND EXPANDING THE SUM OF HUMAN SKILL/KNOWLEDGE.
Learning
Reflection

6. CONDUCT INDEPENDENT RESEARCH AND USE THE RESULTS OF THAT RESEARCH IN A MEANINGFUL WAY.
Enquiry
Reflection