Postgraduate Module Descriptor


LAWM147: Patent Law

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

The aim of the module is to provide you with an understanding of the development of patent law, and how this explains the operation of that law today. We will examine legislation, case law and academic literature to gain an awareness of how patent law is interpreted and perceived by various stakeholders. We will critically investigate the various patent law systems in Europe, the various courts that decide on these issues, and how they interact with one another. Finally, we will use our knowledge of the patent system to analyse long-standing and contemporary issues related to the patent system, such as access to medicines, the treatment of small and medium-sized enterprises, and the patentability of biotechnological inventions. The course is designed to make you think critically about the function of patent law within society, so that you can consider the broader cultural complexities involved.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate deep and systematic knowledge and understanding of the law relating to patents and an extensive range of major concepts, values and principles relevant to its application;
2. undertake complex critical evaluation, comparing, analysing and synthesising the principles, rules and theories relating to the scope of protection of patent rights, using specialist literature and current research.
Discipline-Specific Skills3. demonstrate detailed and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a range of legal concepts, values, principles, institutions and procedures, and the capacity to evaluate systematically the relationships among them as well as their limits;
4. apply detailed and comprehensive legal knowledge and understanding to a problem/issue, argue alternative approaches and propose considered solutions.
Personal and Key Skills5. demonstrate effective and accurate written communication skills, relying on a broad range of resources, engage in debate effectively and confidently, and develop complex arguments and opinions, all with limited guidance;
6. work independently and effectively, and manage your time efficiently in preparing for scheduled learning activities and assessments.