Module Code - Title:
LA4036
-
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
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) Comprehend the limits on the exercise of intellectual property rights.
5) Appreciate 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) Appreciate the ways in which 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 module will introduce students to contemporary challenges in the field of intellectual property law through lectures and tutorials. 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 and will reflect research in the area being conducted within the School of Law.
In introducing students to the laws governing intellectual property law in Ireland and the complex debate which surrounds the protection of intellectual property worldwide, the module aims to develop UL graduate attributes. Students will become more knowledgeable about the protections afforded to owners of intellectual property and the limitations on those rights. Through tailored tutorials and assessment mechanisms and particularly through the use of group work, students will also become more articulate, proactive and collaborative.
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 (2010)
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:
BLLAPLUFA - LAW PLUS
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Module Leader:
john.lombard@ul.ie