Description
This modules examines the principles of Intellectual Property law, looking at key substantive domains such as copyright, patents and trademarks in a critical way.
Aims
The aim of this Module is to provide the student with: the ability to analyse critically the rationale, substantive content, evolution and development of IP law in the UK, EU and the international domain.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. critically analyse the rationale and substantive content of IP law in the UK and the EU
2. critically examine the evolution of IP law in the UK and EU
3. discuss the dynamics of IP development in the international domain
4. demonstrate enhanced skills of critical, oral and written analysis and communication in constrained circumstances
Indicative Content
1 Introduction
The origin and rationales of IP law in the UK.
2 Copyright
Origins. The statutory framework of Copyright in the UK. The legislative and judicial rationales. The impact of the EU and International Treaties. Copyright in the context of IT applications. Competing paradigms of regulation of copyright. Potential futures. The critical commentaries.
3 Patents
Origins. The statutory framework in the UK. Patents in the context of IT applications. The judicial experience. The EU patent. The European Patent Convention. Challenges to the current patent regime.
4 Trade Marks
Origins. The statutory framework in the UK and the impact of EU law. Trade marks in the context of IT applications. The relationship between trade marks and the law of passing off.
5 Design Law
Origins, rationale in the UK and EU. The statutory framework. The relationship between design law and copyright.
6 Misuse of Private Information;Confidential Information
Origins, rationale in the UK .The impact of the Humans Rights Act 1998 and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Development of the common law protection in the UK. Proposal for a Directive on trade secrets and confidential business information 2013/0402 (COD).
Teaching and Learning Work Loads
| Teaching and Learning Method | Hours |
| Lecture | 0 |
| Tutorial/Seminar | 28 |
| Practical Activity | 0 |
| Assessment | 40 |
| Independent | 132 |
| Total | 200 |
Guidance notes
SCQF Level - The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.
Credit Value – The total value of SCQF credits for the module. 20 credits are the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits. A full-time student should normally register for 60 SCQF credits per semester.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate but it is possible that some changes may occur prior to the academic year of entry. The modules listed in this catalogue are offered subject to availability during academic year 2021/22 , and may be subject to change for future years.
