The course aims to provide students with abilities to develop an understanding of the following issues: (a) Foundational principles, justificatory arguments and theoretical frameworks of intellectual property law; (b) Key legislation and case law and the relationship of levels of law making in intellectual property law; (c) A basic understanding of UK intellectual property law (copyright, breach of confidence, trade marks and patents)
This module will focus on the leading topic areas of intellectual property law (including practical aspects), namely:
• Copyright
• Patents
• Trade marks
• Passing off
• Breach of confidence
Total study hours: 300
Contact hours: 40
Private study hours: 260
All undergraduate law programmes. Available to social science non law students with the convenor's permission.
Main assessment methods
The module will be assessed by 50% Exam and 50% Coursework as follows:
Research essay, 3,500 words (50%)
AND
Examination, 3 hour (50%)
Reassessment methods
The module will be reassessed by like-for-like reassessment of failed individual component(s) of assessment. The reassessment will test all of the learning outcomes as indicated below.
There will be two required materials:
1. Textbook- The recommended text is Lionel Bently and Brad Sherman, Intellectual Property Law, Oxford University Press, 2014.
2. Statute Book – The recommended statute book is Blackstone's Statutes on Intellectual Property (13th edition, 2016), edited by Andrew Christie and Stephen Gare.
Supplementary texts:
1. Tanya Aplin and Jennifer Davis, Intellectual Property: Text, Cases and Materials, Oxford University Press, 2017.
2. W.R. Cornish, Tanya Aplin and David Llewelyn, Intellectual Property: Patents, Copyright, Trade Marks and Allied Rights (Sweet and Maxwell, 2013).
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Apply a detailed knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, policies, issues, debates and legal doctrine associated with various
areas of intellectual property law.
2. Critically identify the theoretical, cultural and social underpinnings of intellectual property law.
3. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the diverse influences that shape UK intellectual property law and the increasing impact of EU
jurisprudence in its development.
4. Critically evaluate intellectual property law: to take nothing at face value, to go beneath the surface of the law to critically analyse and
evaluate it, in the written assessments.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an ability to structure, formulate, communicate and defend arguments effectively.
2. Understand, select and synthesise complex information.
3. Apply critical analytical tools in order to appreciate conflicting decisions and viewpoints.
4. Demonstrate independent research.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
