Presenting the respective IP rights.

Allow students to evaluate whether conditions under which they can be obtained are fulfilled in a real life case.

Prepare students to enforce these IP rights in the real world.

(LO1) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic rules relating to trade marks AND patents

(LO2) Demonstrate detailed knowledge of and the ability to critically evaluate the law regarding the above mentioned intellectual property rights

(LO3) Appreciate the social context and underlying policy issues in this area of law and the influences they exert

(LO4) Show an awareness of the practical implications for individuals and corporations of the operation of the abovementioned intellectual property rights

(LO5) Research the relevant laws, electronically and on paper and present an effective argument, soundly based in critical analysis of the law in its social and policy context both orally and in writing

(LO6) Be able to complete specified tasks and case studies with minimal direction or input through formal instruction prior to preparing such tasks

(S1) Problem solving

(S2) Written communication

(S3) Conduct independent research

(S4) Communicate in legal terminology with care and accuracy

(S5) Critical analysis

(S6) Reflective learning

(S7) Communicate orally findings in solving case studies (problem questions)

Below an indicative syllabus of topics:

Introduction to patent law;
Technical Issues in Patent Case law;
Contents of Patent Application;
Patentability Criteria;
Trade Marks History, justifications, purpose,
Trade mark registration
Registrable trade marks: subject matter
Absolute grounds of refusal,
Relative grounds of refusal
Revocation, invalidity; Infringement
Defences Patentable subject matter
Patentability requirements
Patents: infringements and exceptions to exclusive rights
Patents in the computer software industry
Patents in the biotechnology industry
Introduction to Trade Mark Law;
Expanding Functions of Trade mark;
Trade Mark Infringement and Defences

Teaching Pattern
Asynchronous materials to be used to deliver content – this will primarily be through several mini- recordings that cover ten lecture topics, supplemented by recordings that cover revision material - totalling at least 22 hours. The module proposes to frame some of the content in a way that supports decolonisation of the curriculum.

There will be 6 x 2hr synchronous sessions (seminars) which will run fortnightly. The sessions will cover substantive content in the module (with each seminar covering materials from two lectures). There will be a focus on both essay type questions as well as problem solving/application skills type of questions and the final seminar will provide space for reflection, generic feedback on the formative essays and revision.

Module Delivery
This will be via a combination of asynchronous and synchronous sessions as above (i.e. Hybrid Active Learning).