MSc Management of Intellectual Property Law - Modules

Modules 2011-12

IPLM027 Study Project 

(45 credits)
(Mr Chris Rees) Year 2 for P/T students

The Study Project will enable students to experience the complex interaction of legal, commercial and procedural considerations relevant to the management of a complex set of “real-life” problems with respect to a particular intellectual property matter. They will achieve the means by which to apply their knowledge and understanding from throughout the MSc programme and to make commercially relevant and legally prudent decisions with respect to the facts provided in the study project. Students will also explain their decisions in the strategies they provide in their advice and business plans. Students will engage in independent research and group work as well as apply their knowledge in a piece of individual work. The study project will be an important mechanism by which to develop independent research skills as well as enhance the commercial skills and expertise of students on the programme.

IPLM028 Basic Principles of English Law, Evidence and Practice

Compulsory : non-credit bearing, pass only
(Dr Philip Johnson) Year 1 for P/T students

This module aims to give students general knowledge of the English legal system in order to understand sources of law, the effects on intellectual property and the interaction between intellectual property and other areas of law. Students will obtain knowledge of the legal system and legal language and the ability to apply this understanding to various legal questions. In particular, they will gain an overview of legal principles and their application to various situations and problems. Students will acquire skills and experience in the assimilation and analysis of complex material from various sources, and will present the relevant knowledge and understanding through reasoned and supported research papers. The module will promote research skills as well as deliver practical and commercial skills for further training or research as desired.

IPLM031 The Law of Competition I 

(first term, 22.5 credits) Tuesday, 14.00 – 16.00
(IPLM031 – cannot be used in conjunction with IPLM032 or IPLM037) (Mr Ashley Roughton, Hogarth Chambers, London)

The Law of Competition I will consider in detail competition law in the practice of intellectual property law. In doing so, this course provides students with the historical foundations for competition law, the institutions and sources of law in the European Community, as well as perspectives upon the modern practices and objectives of the European Community when dealing with intellectual property and competition. Students will be introduced to competition law regimes in England and the European Community, including the concept of the single market, dominance and abuse of dominant positions, free movement of goods and services, exhaustion, intellectual property licensing agreements and franchising.

IPLM032 Competition Law and Licensing I and II 

(first and second term, 45 credits) Tuesday, 14.00 – 16.00
(IPLM032 - cannot be used in conjunction with IPLM031 or IPLM037) (Mr Ashley Roughton, Hogarth Chambers, London) WILL RUN SUBJECT TO NUMBERS

Competition Law and Licensing I & II will provide students with understanding and knowledge of competition law in the practice of intellectual property law. The course introduces the historical foundations for competition law, the institutions and sources of law in the European Community, as well as perspectives upon the modern practices and objectives of the European Community when dealing with intellectual property and competition. Students will be introduced to competition law regimes in England and the European Community, including the concept of the single market, dominance and abuse of dominant positions, free movement of goods and services and exhaustion. Students will consider a variety of issues in the interaction between competition law and intellectual property, including its application in intellectual property licensing agreements and franchising, joint ventures, research and development, patent pooling, software and interoperability. In addition, the international context for competition law is examined with particular attention to the forces of globalisation and free trade.  

IPLM033 The Law of Copyright and Design I 

(first term, 22.5 credits) Tuesday, 10.00 – 12.00
COMPULSORY FOR PROFESSIONAL STREAM  
(IPLM033 - cannot be used in conjunction with IPLM034) (Professor Guido Westkamp, QM; Professor Gillian Davies, Hogarth Chambers, London)

The Law of Copyright and Designs I will provide students with a basic foundation in the law of copyright and designs. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the application of copyright in literary and artistic works, the concepts of authorship and ownership, and the operation of moral rights of the author and performer. Students will also explore the background of the present legal situation regarding UK, European and International copyright and design law and consider in detail the principles of copyright law and UK and European design law, such as subject matter, exclusive rights and limitations as well as the specific rules introduced for the protection of computer programs and databases

IPLM034 The Law of Copyright and Design I and II 

(IPLM034 - cannot be used in conjunction with IPLM033) (Professor Guido Westkamp, QM; Professor Gillian Davies, Hogarth Chambers, London) WILL RUN SUBJECT TO NUMBERS

The Law of Copyright and Designs I & II will provide students with a basic foundation in the law of copyright and designs. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the application of copyright in literary and artistic works, the concepts of authorship and ownership, and the operation of moral rights of the author and performer. Students will also explore the background of the present legal situation regarding UK, European and International copyright and design law and consider in detail the principles of copyright law and UK and European design law, such as the subject matter, exclusive rights and limitations as well as the specific rules introduced for the protection of computer programs and databases. The second term will examine the law of copyright in greater detail, including predominantly aspects of copyright protection in digital networks such as the internet, taking a comparative and international outlook. Specific emphasis is placed on European harmonisation and its impact upon national legislation. Students will examine timely issues such as exclusive rights, the specific role of copyright limitations such as private use, the problems surrounding digital rights management systems and the role of collecting societies.

IPLM035 Information Technology Law 

(first and second terms, 45 credits) Thursday, 14.00 -16.00
(IPLM035) (Noam Shemtov, QM) (LLM Computer Law Module)
WILL RUN SUBJECT TO NUMBERS

Information Technology Law examines intellectual property law and regulation relating to information technology products and services. Students will examine the UK and European legal environments in detail, however important international aspects are also considered, particularly in light of the geographical challenges faced when managing intellectual property in a digital context. The module will provide students with a basic foundation in the intellectual property and management of information technology, including copyright, patents, database right and trade secrets law. The course will also consider aspects of privacy and competition law relevant to the sector. The module also provides students with a practical appreciation of information technology management, and students will gain an understanding of aspects of commercial development and business practices in the sector.

IPLM036 Intellectual Property Transactions 

(first and second terms, 45 credits) Tuesday, 14.00 -16.00
(IPLM036) (Dr Gail Evans, QM; Professor Guido Westkamp, QM; Mr Noam Shemtov, QM)

Intellectual Property Transactions examines the management and utilisation of intellectual property in a commercial environment. Students will gain experience in dealing with a variety of legal instruments including international conventions, regional trade agreements, statutes and case law. The course will provide the tools for analysing and interpreting commercial documents and transactions and students will develop skills of legal analysis and problem-solving at an advanced level in a commercial law context. Overall, the course aims to provide students with practical understanding, commercial awareness and lateral thinking in professional practice. The module will cover the various transactions involving intellectual property rights in the modern economy, with a particular emphasis on technology transfer and franchising, in which students will develop the legal skills to analyse such agreements. Students will consider such topics as rights management, assignment of intellectual property, employment and the intellectual property of employees, licensing transactions and franchising, intellectual property valuation, and enforcement.

IPLM037 Licensing Practice 

(second term, 22.5 credits) Tuesday, 14.00-16.00
(IPLM037 - cannot be used in conjunction with IPLM032) (Mr Ashley Roughton, Hogarth Chambers, London) WILL RUN SUBJECT TO NUMBERS

Licensing Practice will provide students with an understanding and knowledge of licensing in a commercial context. The module will introduce students to a broad range of agreements in intellectual property and examine the impact of international competition law in this context. In particular, students will consider the enforcement of such agreements in national courts, with a particular emphasis on commercial practicalities. A range of topics and agreements will be covered by this course, including joint ventures, research and development agreements, specialisation agreements, standards agreements and general licensing practice. The course will concentrate on providing students with a practical overview of licensing practice in a commercial context.

IPLM039 Media Law

(first term, 22.5 credits) Tuesday, 16.00 -18.00
IPLM039 (Mr Gavin Sutter, QM) WILL RUN SUBJECT TO NUMBERS

Media Law introduces the laws and regulations relevant to the general media. The module covers both general content regulation such as libel, copyright and contempt of court in its application to the media, and sector-specific regulation such as Ofcom regulation of broadcast content. Aspects of new media will also be addressed, including the challenges and implications for regulation of the internet and other new media such as mobile television. The module will concentrate on UK and European law, however important international aspects and key jurisdictions will also be considered in certain cases.

IPLM040 The Law of Patents I 

(first term, 22.5 credits) Monday, 10.00 – 12.00
(IPLM040 - cannot be used in conjunction with IPLM041) (Dr Philip Johnson, London)

Patent Law I will provide students with the foundations of UK patent law so as to equip them for the basics of patent practice in the UK. Students will be introduced to a history of the patent system, including the policy basis for patent protection of innovative products, as well as the legal context in which modern patent practice is undertaken. The course provides students with a detailed understanding of the concept of patentability including the requirements of the patent specification and certain exclusions from patentability. Students will also have a detailed knowledge of infringement and validity, including revocation of patents. Patents Law I will also provide students with a detailed knowledge of important commercial aspects (including exploitation, patent transactions, ownership and employee inventions) as well as procedural aspects, such as formalities, filing and prosecution. Students will also gain an understanding of related areas of protection in the patent industries, including confidential information and trade secrets.

IPLM041 The Law of Patents I & II 

(first and second terms, 45 credits) COMPULSORY FOR PROFESSIONAL STREAM
(cannot be used in conjunction with IPLM040) (Dr Philip Johnson) Year 1 for P/T students

Patent Law I and II will provide students with the foundations of UK patent law so as to equip them for the basics of patent practice in the UK. In addition, students will consider patent law and corporate strategy as well as practical and professional aspects of patent practice, including drafting, claim interpretation, patent prosecution, ethics and corporate governance. Students will also gain a detailed and practical understanding of related areas of protection in the patent industries, including confidential information and trade secrets. The course also addresses aspects of specific sectors, including biotechnology, chemical industries and software industries. Key jurisdictions, including their significance for litigation and commercial strategy, are also considered in a comparative context. Students completing this course will be eligible to sit the CIPA/ITMA exemption papers towards their qualification as UK patent and trade mark attorneys.

IPLM043 Trade Mark Law I 

(first term, 22.5 credits) Monday, 13.00 – 15.00
(IPLM043 - cannot be used in conjunction with IPLM044) (Dr Gail Evans, QM)

Trade Mark Law I introduces students to the law and practice relating to passing off and trade marks, including the registration, enforcement and exploitation of trade mark rights in the UK. The course will also provide candidates with working knowledge of overseas trade mark law in various pre-specified countries. Students will gain a general knowledge of the whole of the Trade Marks Act 1994 with a detailed understanding of specific key sections and the associated Rules. Students will consider in detail registration, registrability and refusal of trade marks, application procedures and leading cases in trade mark law. Principal provisions of European law (including competition aspects) affecting trade mark practice will also be considered. Although the course is specifically concerned with UK trade mark law, students will be introduced to the key international and European instruments in this area.

IPLM044 Trade Mark Law I & II 

(first and second terms, 45 credits) COMPULSORY FOR PROFESSIONAL STREAM (IPLM044 - cannot be used in conjunction with IPLM043) (Dr Gail Evans, QM) Year 1 for P/T students

Trade Mark Law I & II is designed to introduce candidates to the law and practice relating to the registration, enforcement and exploitation of trade mark rights as they apply in the United Kingdom and to provide candidates with working knowledge of overseas trade mark law in various pre-specified countries so that they may advise generally on protection in those jurisdictions (no detailed knowledge of overseas legislation is expected). Students will be equipped with the tools and skills in the fundamentals of trade mark law and practice, including detailed knowledge of procedures and practices relating to the registration, management and enforcement of rights in trade marks. Students completing this course will be eligible to sit the CIPA/ITMA exemption papers towards their professional qualification.

IPLM047 Intellectual Property in Food, Biotechnology and Agriculture

(second term, 22.5. credits) Run over two weeks in 2nd Term WILL RUN SUBJECT TO NUMBERS
(IPLM047) (Professor Michael Blakeney, Univ. Of Western Australia, Perth)

The course will examine the role of diverse IP rights in the areas of food, biotechnology and agriculture. Students will explore topics such as the role of patent and plant variety protection and its impact on the biotechnology industry and the protection of agricultural products and foodstuffs by trade mark law and the law relating to geographical indications. Other topics that will be explored include issues such as the interface between IP rights and access to health, the protection of genetic resources or the impact of extended IP protection on biological diversity, and overall the role of IP rights in the context of development. Specific emphasis is placed on the international and European background. Please note that there will not be weekly lectures but that the course will be running as an intensive course over a period of two weeks in 2012. Details will be announced later.

IPLM048 Intellectual Property in the United States

(second term, 22.5. credits) Run over two weeks in 2nd Term WILL RUN SUBJECT TO NUMBERS
(IPLM048) (Mr Gary Rinkerman, Attorney at law, Drinker Biddle Reath, Washington, DC; Mr Seth Ericsson, Max Planck Institute for Intellectual Property and Competition Law, Munich)

The course will introduce studenst to US IP law and will predominantly cover the protection of registered rights in the US such as patents and trade marks, but will also examine other important areas such as copyright law, design patents and publicity rights as well as aspects of IP licensing. The course will provide students with a basic understanding of the fundmantal structures and principles applying in US law. It will also enhance the general perception of IP rights from a comparative perspective, and emphasis is placed therefore on those rules and principles that deviate from the law in the UK and the European Union. Please note that there will not be weekly lectures but that the course will be running as an intensive course over a period of two weeks in 2012. Details will be announced later.