Brands and inventions are among the most valuable intellectual property rights shaping our everyday life. They help to define our roles as consumers, citizens, users and our interaction with governments and corporations. How are these intellectual property law rights acquired? What are their rationales? How are they legally protected and exploited?
Within both international and comparative perspectives, you will explore the law of trademarks and patents and how they are affected by several assumptions and policy interventions. The module will not merely provide you with a solid understanding of these branches of intellectual property law but will also explore their increasing commercial, cultural and social significance.
Lectures 10 hours, Seminars 10 hours, Workshops 12 hours
Extended Writing. Assessment Details: Essay (1500 words) worth 30% of the total marks for the module.
Examination. Assessment Details: Examination (2 hours) worth 70% of the total marks for the module. This Assessment is Pass Compulsory.
Reassessment Method: Like-for-like
For reading lists see the detailed module information on moodle
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Evaluate the relationship between trade mark and patent law and the broader contexts in which they operate, applying a range of theoretical and critical perspectives
2) Independently acquire knowledge about the law of trade marks and patents and identify gaps in knowledge to critically challenge received understandings and conclusions
3) Apply a detailed knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, policies, issues, debates and legal doctrine associated with the law of patents and trade marks
4) Explain and identify the diverse influences that shape UK trade mark and patent law and the impact of EU and European Patent Office jurisprudence in its development.
5) Critically identify the theoretical, cultural and social underpinnings of trademarks & patents.
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