Module Code - Title:
LA4036
-
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Intellectual property (IP) is of great importance in modern society and the provision of legal protection to owners of intellecutal property is considered by many to be criticial to fostering ideas, rewarding innovation and stimulating economic growth. The significance of IP may be identified across a variety of sectors including the engineering, pharmaceutical, medical, entertainment, fashion and computer/software industries. The aim of the module is to give students an understanding of the various sources and forms of intellectual property (I.P.) rights including patent, trademark, copyright and design protection.
Syllabus:
This module will explore the various sources and forms of intellectual property (I.P.) rights including:
1) patents
2) trademarks
3) copyrights
4) designs
The source of these rights, their limitations, infringement and remedies available for breaches will also be covered.
The course will also examine common law protections available to protect intellectual property including the tort of passing off and breach of confidence.
The focus will be on Irish IP law but will also examine relevant EU directives and global IP treaties.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1) Identify the different forms of intellectual property, including common law protections, and the source of those rights.
2) Critique the protection of IP rights in Ireland today.
3) Identify how to protect intellectual property rights.
4) Evaluate the limits on the exercise of intellectual property rights.
5) Evaluate the importance of international obligations in the field.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1) Challenge the competing moral, economic and social justifications for the recognition of intellectual property rights and the limitation of those rights.
2) Judge the ways in which the law can impact upon both creators and users of ideas.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This research-led module will be delivered by experts in their field and introduce students to contemporary challenges in the field of intellectual property law through lectures and tutorials. Full use of technology will facilitate the delivery of online lectures/tutorials in addition to live question and answer sessions. This mode of delivery allows for a flexible, student-centred approach. The tutorials (typically involving problem-based learning) will facilitate interaction and collaboration between students and faculty. This challenge driven style of tutorial is designed to foster curiosity, and build both problem solving skills and student confidence to articulate. Students will also be expected to engage in self-directed study on the issues raised in class to supplement their learning. The syllabus and assessment mechanisms will reflect the most recent developments in the field.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Eva Nagle (2012)
Intellectual Property Law
, Roundhall
Robert Clark, Shane Smyth and Niamh Hall (2016)
Intellectual Property Law in Ireland
, Bloomsbury Professional
Other Relevant Texts:
William Cornish, David Llewelyn and Tanya Aplin (2013)
Intellectual Property: Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks & Allied Rights
, Sweet & Maxwell
Tanya Aplin and Jennifer Davis (2013)
Intellectual Property Law: Text, Cases, and Materials
, Oxford University Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BLLAWSTFA - LAWS
BLLAPLUFA - (LAW PLUS)
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Spring
Module Leader:
Raymond.Friel@ul.ie