2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
LAW3340 Intellectual Property Law
20 creditsClass Size: 90
Module manager: Dr Cesar Ramirez-Montes
Email: C.J.Ramirez-Montes@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2017/18
This module is mutually exclusive with
LAW3341 | Intellectual Property: Creative and Technology Assets |
LAW3342 | Intellectual Property: Commercial and Marketing Assets |
This module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
The course will be predominantly 'black letter law' by nature - covering the content and application of the criteria for determining whether unregistered IP rights subsist, whether registered IP rights may be obtained, whether an infringement has occurred and whether any defences are applicable. Socio-legal issues will have a more minor role in relation to the hot topics of music piracy by peer-to-peer file-sharing and the exploitation of celebrities' images.Objectives
Upon completion of this Module, the student should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main forms of intellectual property (IP) protection under UK law by:(1) analysing problem questions concerning life-like scenarios, in particular -
(a) spotting the relevant issues relating to UK IP law,
(b) providing a clear, concise, accurate and comprehensive explanation of the UK IP law principles relating to the issues,
(c) citing the relevant key cases and statutory provisions,
(d) applying the legal principles in a manner which evidences understanding in relation to all issues, and
(e) adopting a logical structure throughout the analysis;
(2) critically analysing the use of copyright law and alternative solutions (including technology and education) for the purpose of reducing the incidence of infringement of recorded songs by file-sharers;
(3) critically analysing the use of the law relating to registered trade marks, passing off and breach of confidence for the purpose of protecting aspects of celebrities' images.
Syllabus
The course will be predominantly 'black letter law' by nature - covering the content and application of the criteria for determining whether unregistered IP rights subsist, whether registered IP rights may be obtained, whether an infringement has occurred and whether any defences are applicable. Socio-legal issues will have a more minor role in relation to the hot topics of music piracy by peer-to-peer file-sharing and the exploitation of celebrities' images.
Twenty lectures will cover the main forms of IP protection: patents, registered designs, registered trade marks, copyright, design right, database rights, and the tortious actions for passing off and breach of confidence. Seven seminars will build on the learning from the lectures through the discussion of problem-solving scenarios, practical issues and points of legal policy.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 20 | 1.00 | 20.00 |
Seminar | 7 | 1.00 | 7.00 |
Private study hours | 173.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 27.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Private study
80 hours - compulsory reading for lectures (i.e. 4 hours per lecture) which will provide the necessary background for students to complete the formative essay;14 hours - seminar preparation (i.e. 2 hours per seminar);
79 hours - recommended reading, self-directed private study and revision
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Progress will be monitored through seminar exercises, a mock exam and a mini essay.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Essay | 2 x 3,000 word essays | 100.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 05/07/2017
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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