LAW7077 - International aspects of intellectual property

Leader(s): Professor Alison Firth

Offered

City (Melbourne) Second semester 2009 (On-campus block of classes)

Synopsis

The law of intellectual property is becoming increasingly international. The TRIPs Agreement, part of the WTO framework, has forced developing and developed nations to heighten the level of intellectual property protection. In addition, a large number of specific international treaties has set high standards for national states to comply with. The process of harmonisation at the European level provides additional norms of international IP protection. Subjects treated include: copyright law, neighbouring rights, trademark law, patent law, industrial design protection, sui generis database right and IP enforcement.

Objectives

1. To examine the bases for the international protection of intellectual property rights.
2. To examine the evolution of new international norms in relation to intellectual property.
3. To consider the relationship between the international protection of intellectual property rights and wider questions of international trade relations.

Assessment

Assignment (100%) - 7,500 words

Contact hours

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