Leader: Dr Melissa de Zwart

Offered

Not offered in 2008

Synopsis

This unit examines in detail a range of existing and

emerging intellectual property issues associated with the use of the internet for domestic and commercial

transactions. It will examine the particular problems of

extending existing law to accommodate the digital

environment and review proposals for reform. The topics covered include copyright, domain names, trade marks, passing off and patents. Given the global nature of the internet, these issues will be looked at from the domestic and international perspectives.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. recognise the particular intellectual property issues to which the Internet gives rise;
2. apply existing laws to these issues, both domestically and in an international context, and where appropriate formulate proposals for reform of that law;
3. anticipate other intellectual property issues that may arise in this context in the future and suggest options for development of laws to address those issues;
4. develop and demonstrate oral communication skills and skills of presentation of legal concepts, rules and argument in an interactive seminar context;
5. develop and demonstrate legal research and writing and legal argument skills.

Assessment

Research assignment (3,750 words): 50%
Take home examination (3,750 words): 50%

Prerequisites

This unit focusses on the more advanced issues arising in this area and assumes that students will have a background in intellectual property, either through formal study at a graduate or undergraduate level or through practical experience.