2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LAW5692M Contemporary Issues in Intellectual Property: Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Expressions

15 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Professor Graham Dutfield
Email: G.M.Dutfield@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module aims to provide students with a thorough grounding in what is now one of the most controversial and hotly debated areas of international intellectual property law. Developing countries are often rich in biodiversity and forms of local knowledge which cannot easily be protected under intellectual property laws, while businesses in the developed countries are able to acquire property rights over 'improved' genetic resources and applied traditional knowledge and cultural expressions. This module will investigate the controversy, present the relevant international agreements, evaluate some of the proposed solutions under consideration, and discuss cases of 'biopiracy' in which resources and traditional knowledge are alleged to be stolen by corporations.

Objectives

This module aims to provide students with a thorough grounding in what is now one of the most controversial and hotly debated areas of international intellectual property law. Developing countries are often rich in biodiversity and forms of local knowledge which cannot easily be protected under intellectual property laws, while businesses in the developed countries are able to acquire property rights over 'improved' genetic resources and applied traditional knowledge and cultural expressions. This Module will investigate the controversy, present the relevant international agreements including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the FAO International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, evaluate some of the proposed solutions under consideration, and discuss cases of so-called 'biopiracy' in which resources and traditional knowledge are alleged to be stolen by transnational corporations.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. Be familiar with the literature and the international law and policy developments relating to the field of genetic resources, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions;
2. Be able to assess the reasons informing and the implications of the growing interest among governments in seeking protection for traditional knowledge and cultural expressions;
3. Be able to appreciate the theoretical and policy context (particularly with regard to notions of globalisation) underpinning many of the relevant debates;
4. Be capable of assessing the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to the protection of traditional knowledge and cultural expressions and the prevention of so-called 'biopiracy';
5. Be able to relate the issues in the literature to their understanding of these issues and developments within their own and a variety of other countries.

Skills learning outcomes
See above. Also, on successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Critical and creative thinking, demonstrating openness to alternative ideas and have the ability to interrogate sources
2. Develop academic skills to enable you to source, understand and apply your discipline
3. Be able to evaluate and analyse a range of information to put forward coherent and evidence based arguments
4. Make effective use of digital tools to develop your academic, personal and professional skills
5. Be confident communicating persuasively to a diverse range of audiences

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	10	1.50	15.00
Private study hours			135.00
Total Contact hours			15.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

A formal formative assessment opportunity will be provided, which is specifically pedagogically aligned to the summative assessment task. As part of this, each student will receive individual feedback designed to support the development of knowledge and skills that will be later assessed in the summative assessment.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Coursework	80.00
Assignment	Coursework	20.00
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: 04/04/2024

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