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Unit description

Examines copyright, patents, trade-marks and industrial designs, with the aim of fostering a thorough understanding of the various systems and legal principles which underpin the protection of intellectual property. Cultivates an appreciation of the complex, challenging and often controversial issues, such as the ethical dilemmas posed by the patenting of new life forms. Encourages an understanding of the increasingly important role played by international conventions and agreements, in the protection of intellectual property in markets overseas.

Unit content

Topic 1 Introduction to the protection of intellectual property 
Topic 2 Copyright
Topic 3 Passing off and trademarks
Topic 4 Designs
Topic 5 Confidential Information
Topic 6 Patents
Topic 7 Plant breeder’s rights, circuit layouts, competition and remedies in IP law

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1analyse the contemporary significance, distinct nature, and function of intellectual property in the digital age, in international and comparative contexts.
2 evaluate and apply legal principles relevant to the protection of intellectual property as they pertain to copyright, patents, trademarks including domain names, designs and common law actions such as confidential information and passing off.
3critically evaluate the interface and potential linkage between intellectual property and (a) the principles and concepts of protection of the cultural environment; and (b) public policy.
4research, identify and explore hypotheses for accommodating the economic, social, and political dimensions of intellectual property protection, such as the scope of digital copyright and the ethical dilemmas posed by the patenting of transgenic inventions.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. analyse the contemporary significance, distinct nature, and function of intellectual property in the digital age, in international and comparative contexts.
  2. evaluate and apply legal principles relevant to the protection of intellectual property as they pertain to copyright, patents, trademarks including domain names, designs and common law actions such as confidential information and passing off.
  3. critically evaluate the interface and potential linkage between intellectual property and (a) the principles and concepts of protection of the cultural environment; and (b) public policy.
  4. research, identify and explore hypotheses for accommodating the economic, social, and political dimensions of intellectual property protection, such as the scope of digital copyright and the ethical dilemmas posed by the patenting of transgenic inventions.

Prescribed Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts
  • Reynolds, R, Stoianoff, N, Roy, A, 2015, Intellectual Property Text and Essential Cases, 5th edn, The Federation Press, Sydney. ISBN: 9781862879867.
Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every teaching period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the teaching period.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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