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Unit of Study LAWS2020 - Intellectual Property (2023)

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Unit Snapshot

Unit description

Examines copyright, patents, trade-marks and industrial designs, with the aim of fostering a thorough understanding of the various systems and legal principles which underpin the protection of intellectual property. Cultivates an appreciation of the complex, challenging and often controversial issues, such as the ethical dilemmas posed by the patenting of new life forms. Encourages an understanding of the increasingly important role played by international conventions and agreements, in the protection of intellectual property in markets overseas.

Unit content

Module 1: Introduction to intellectual property rights

Module 2: Copyright

Module 3: Patents

Module 4: Trademarks

Module 5: Designs

Module 6: Confidential Information and Passing Off

Availabilities

Location Domestic International
Online
Term4
Term4

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

analyse the purpose, nature and function of intellectual property rights in Australia, in both their intranational and international contexts

evaluate and apply legal doctrines and principles relevant to the protection of intellectual property rights

critically evaluate the role of economic factors, including competition theory and the power of vested corporate and state interests, in determining the nature and scope of contemporary intellectual property rights

research, identify and evaluate important public policy issues arising from contested areas of intellectual property protection, such as the patenting of genetic materials and the commercialisation of traditional cultural expressions and medicines.

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts
  • Van Caenegem, W, Bannister, J, Lawson, C, Liberman, A & Stewart, A, 2022, Intellectual Property in Australia, 7th edn, LexisNexis. ISBN: 9780409354898 (Print version); 9780409354904 (eBook).
Prescribed Resources/Equipment

  • Access to a computer and reliable internet connection.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.