Intellectual Property Law (Advanced) module (LW42010)

Intellectual property (IP) law refers to a set of legal principles and rules that safeguard the products of human intellect. Such products include inventions, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

The law grants exclusive rights to the creators, authors, or inventors. This allows them to control and profit from their original works and innovations.

In this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal concepts, principles, and rules in IP law with a particular focus on the UK. Additionally, you will explore the laws of the EU and the US to gain a different perspective.

The course encompasses five main subjects:

• copyrights
• trademarks
• patents
• designs
• trade secrets

Each subject will delve into various influential cases that have shaped the rules within the field. By analysing these cases, you will develop essential skills crucial to becoming a proficient lawyer.

What you will learn

In this module you will:

• learn how to identify and summarise the rules established or interpreted by the judge
• apply the learned rules to new scenarios or cases
• evaluate and critique existing rules using persuasive arguments and supporting evidence

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• gain fresh perspectives on IP law and related matters. These perspectives are based on the latest empirical and interdisciplinary research in fields such as psychology, economics, and sociology
• gain valuable insights that go beyond traditional legal analysis

Assignments / assessment

• applied assignment (40%)
• analytical or reflective essay/report (60%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

This module will be delivered through student-led seminars and independent learning.

You will be expected to read prior to seminars and prepare for them. This will allow for a high level of engagement in your learning.