LAW5447 - Intellectual property and the internet - 2017

6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL

Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Law

Not offered in 2017

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.

Outcomes

  • apply knowledge and understanding of recent developments in relation to intellectual property issues to which the Internet gives rise with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice and/or for further learning;
  • investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in relation to Internet-related aspects of intellectual property law;
  • conduct research in Internet-related aspects of intellectual property law based on knowledge of appropriate research principle and methods; and
  • use cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate at an abstract level complex ideas and concepts relevant to Internet-related aspects of intellectual property law.

Assessment

Research assignment (3,750 words): 50%

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

Workload requirements

24 contact hours per semester (either intensive, semi-intensive or semester long, depending on the Faculty resources, timetabling and requirements)

Chief examiner(s)

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.