LAW4655 - Comparative issues in patent law - 2019

This unit will examine from an international and comparative perspective some fundamental questions that arise in patent law:

• Why is a twenty year monopoly in the form of a patent available for inventions? It will critically analyse this question with reference to the origins of patent laws and with reference to the varied past and present rationales that support patent protection;
• What subject matter should patent law protect? In particular, it will focus on the challenges posed to patent law by new and emerging technologies in areas such as higher life forms, methods of medical and surgical treatment, business and financial systems and genetic materials;
• Why can an inventor choose to keep an invention secret instead of seeking patent protection? We critically evaluate the justifications for inventors to have this choice; and
• What balance should exist between a patentee's exclusive rights and the public domain?

The unit will consider the obligations that relevant international treaties and conventions impose on member states in the design of their patent and trade secrecy laws. Within the context of this international structure, it will immerse students in understanding and critically analysing how Australia and three other jurisdictions (selected from Canada, the United States of America, the European Union, the United Kingdom and New Zealand) approach the above questions. No technical background is required or expected, nor is any previous work in patent law needed.

Upon successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Describe:
   • the obligations that international treaties and conventions impose on member states;
   • the challenges that these obligations present for the design of domestic patent and trade secrecy laws; and
   • the manner in which member states comply with these obligations.
2. Explain the theoretical and policy concerns underpinning the patent system;
3. Critically analyse and evaluate, from a comparative perspective, national responses to each of the fundamental questions that this unit identifies for consideration;
4. Demonstrate skills of independent research and critical analysis; and
5. Communicate effectively as individuals and as part of a group, both orally and in writing.

Attendance requirement: Students who fail to attend at least 80% of the classes in this unit (ie who miss 3 or more classes) will receive a result of 0 N for the unit. Students who are unable to meet this requirement due to severe illness or other exceptional circumstances must make an application for in-semester special consideration with supporting documentation.

Group seminar presentation: 10%

Group seminar presentation report (750 words): 15%

Take-home exam (1,500 words): 30%

Research assignment (2,250 words): 45%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information