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Intellectual property (IP) is (at least in the context in which we view it in this module) a broad umbrella-term used to describe the study of property in intangibles which result from intellectual efforts. IP is one of the foundations of the modern economy. The subject matter of IP is all around us and impacts a wide variety of our daily activities, explicitly and implicitly, both online and off – one cannot, for example, surf the internet or even walk down the high-street without encountering some aspect of the subject matter touched by IP. Given the breadth of human achievements to which it applies, and the importance of those achievements to the economy and the greater public good, this ubiquity is hardly surprising.

This module accordingly considers the means by which the products of human intellectual creativity and ingenuity are identified as protectable subject matter, and how this protection operates. It therefore aims to provide an understanding of the main areas of law that govern these areas – i.e. breach of confidence, patent law, the law of registered trade marks and passing off, and the law of copyright and designs. In addition, it examines some of the consequences of treating such things as property. It is designed to afford students an acquaintance with key intellectual property principles and policy issues.

By the end of this module you should have a degree of familiarity with the following:Ìý
•ÌýÌý ÌýThe scope and substance of the main intellectual property rights (IPRs), including knowledge and understanding of the legal tests involved in their acquisition and enforcement
•ÌýÌý ÌýHow the elements of intellectual property relate to the theoretical justifications underpinning their existence â–ª The manner in which the private rights in intellectual property interface with broader issues of public interest
•ÌýÌý ÌýThe manner in which IP attempts to balance the interests of IP owners, their competitors and consumers/end users
•ÌýÌý ÌýThe merits of rewarding creativity versus the merits of rewarding investmentÌý
The main focus of the module is on the intellectual property law of England and Wales. However, given the importance and success of European and international harmonisation of intellectual property laws and policies, the module will also consider these broader regimes where appropriate. Accordingly, in addition to the above, you should also have developed a degree of familiarity with the following concepts by the end of the module:Ìý
•ÌýÌý ÌýInternational and European intellectual property laws, and how they have shaped the law in England and Wales
•ÌýÌý ÌýThe role of the Court of Justice of the EU in designing a coherent set of IP rules, and its continued influence in the shaping of these laws

Reading lists and other materials will be provided for students registered on the module via online Moodle information pages.