2018/19 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LAW3340 Intellectual Property Law

20 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Rebecca Moosavian
Email: R.Z.Moosavian@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2018/19

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 website

Last updated: 12/12/2018 10:48:53

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