Key facts
UNE unit code: LAW323
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2025
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
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Intellectual property law is fast moving and controversial. It underpins high technology industries as well as supports the expression of culture. Issues arise anywhere from Nike shoes to Harry Potter films, from computer games to the recipe for Coke, from a grain of wheat to vaccines, from YouTube mashups to the machinations of global geo-politics.
This unit introduces you to the complex and dynamic world of intellectual property. You will study the national and international framework of intellectual property laws together with current public policy and law reform controversies.
You will also focus on the main branches of intellectual property law, namely copyright, patents, trademarks and designs.
Build your understanding of a highly topical legal issue and gain transferable skills in critical thinking, legal reasoning and analysis.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
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Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a highly-developed understanding of the principles of Australian intellectual property law and how it is influenced by technological change; government policies based on economic and social rationales; and international treaties;
- use cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in analysing the legal risks and liabilities involved in using the intellectual property of others; contributing to public policy debates about intellectual property law and the desirability of law reform; and an awareness of the global dimension of intellectual property law and the implications this has for developing policy and the law into the future;
- use initiative and judgement to identify and critically analyse, synthesise, and consolidate a persuasive and coherent legal argument that applies intellectual property law principles, the relevant regulation and theoretical insights, to suggest appropriate actions and remedies for damage arising from infringing intellectual property rights e.g., rights relating to copyright, patent, design and trademark; and
- demonstrate a well-developed ability to act autonomously to present a clear and coherent exposition of the relevant knowledge that evidences legal research, legal reasoning and professional judgment to questions relating to intellectual property issues.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Research Essay | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 2400 |
Take Home Exam | Yes | 60% | All offerings |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Australian Intellectual Property Law
ISBN: 9781108746953
Davison, M., Monotti, A. and Wiseman, L., Cambridge University Press 4th ed. 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
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