Law School Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW I: INTRODUCTION TO COPYRIGHT LAW
Code LAW338
Coordinator Dr S Subramanian
Law
Sujitha.Subramanian@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

Copyright legislation plays an important role in fostering cultural development as it provides an incentive for authors and the creative industries (film, music, publishing, software, games, etc.) to produce creative works. The digital era and the corresponding internet age however pose great challenges to the system of copyright law, especially in relation to infringement of copyright works online. This module will introduce students without a background in the law of intellectual property to the main features of the copyright system and will focus on UK copyright law as amended by the relevant EU directives and international agreements. Topics to be covered will include the history and evolution of copyright, copyright’s protected objects (‘works’) and subjects (authors, publishers and producers of works), the principles governing the ownership of copyright, and the nature and scope of the rights comprised in copyrights and the enforcement challenges arising f rom the emergence of sophisticated digital technologies.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Demonstrate knowledgeand understanding of the basic rules relating to copyright, designs andenforcement of intellectual property rights.

(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)


Syllabus

 

Below is an indicative syllabus of topics:

Subject matter of copyright;
Criteria for protection;
Nature of the rights with a focus on reproduction right, distribution right and right of communication to the public;
Duration;
Infringement: primary and secondary infringement;
Defences;
Copyright in the digital age;
Database protection (sui generis);
Technological protection measures;
Enforcement of IP rights;
Copyright Exceptions and Limitations;
Liability of Online Intermediaries;
Copyright interactions with other areas of law; Copyright and Global Public Interests.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description:
Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description:


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 22

  10

      32
Timetable (if known) 120 mins X 1 totaling 22
 
  120 mins X 1 totaling 10
 
       
Private Study 118
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
1. Component #1 – MCQ tests – In order to encourage students to include the reading of copyright caselaw – the module will include an MCQ test comprising of 10% of module mark comprising of ten questi    10       
2. Component #2 – Different set of skills are tested in the second component. The second component will be a 3000-word essay that will comprise of 90% of the module mark.    90       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Other Staff Teaching on this Module

 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Co-requisite modules:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:

 

Additional Programme Information