LLB Law

 The unit aims to:

The course situates intellectual property law within the international legal framework, necessary to understand it as a global subject. Following introduction to a range of intellectual property rights and the subject matter each protects, students will consider the role of intellectual property in a business context; how IP is generated, and IP business strategy. This understanding will inform the remainder of the study on the course. Thereafter the course will focus on three traditional pillars of IP law (patent law, copyright law and trade mark law) and will consider how each right is obtained and the circumstances in which it may be enforced

This course unit will use a combination of 30 lectures and five one-hour workshops of synchronous teaching and learning activities. Teaching during these sessions will aim to promote active learning and will incorporate e.g., quizzes, discussions and use of Spark pages.

Lectures will be used to disseminate knowledge and understanding of legal issues in IP law, provide information about key academic issues, and inform workshop activities.

Workshops will be structured around directed reading tasks, problem scenarios, or case studies designed to develop understanding of legal problem solving and advice formulation. Workshops will be facilitated by a staff member and will be highly interactive.

A range of asynchronous optional online resources and activities for students to

complete outside scheduled teaching time to support their learning will be available on the course VLE.

Explain the sources of intellectual property law, the formal relationship between each of the instruments and have a basic knowledge of the institutions within IP law is administered. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the doctrines and principles which underpin intellectual property rights in England and Wales. Demonstrate knowledge of substantive patent, Trade mark and copyright law in respect of rights acquisition and enforcement; apply this to formulate legal advice in the context of negotiating a dispute.

Analyse and critique primary and secondary legal resources relating to patents, trade marks and copyright in problem and essay-based scenarios. Demonstrate conceptual understanding to evaluate research and scholarship in the field of IP Law. Explain the sources of intellectual property law, the formal relationship between each of the instruments and demonstrate knowledge of the institutions within IP law is administered.

Engage in and cultivate reasoned legal and policy arguments both orally and in writing. Use legal terminology in IP law with care and accuracy. Locate, navigate, and reference primary and secondary sources of IP law and other legal materials.

Present compelling and coherent legal argument taking proper account of all relevant facts and addressing counterarguments) and any defence(s). Simplify complexity (in preparing legal argument, can sift complex information to identify and evaluate which is the most relevant). Manage study-time and plan effectively to ensure that deadlines are met.

     Students will receive regular feedback via engagement in class discussion and seminars.

There are two optional formative assessments: one online multiple choice test with answers and feedback for patent law, and one written submission (1500 words) which receives detailed written feedback on structuring and application/analysis.

Individual support and feedback is available for 2 hours during office hours.

Please see LAWS30322 Reading List Online.

This course is restricted to: LLB (Law); BA (Law with Politics); LLB (Law with Criminology); LLB (Law with Politics). Other students could be enrolled at the discretion of the course director.

This course is available to incoming study abroad students.

There are no pre-requisites for law students.