Postgraduate Module Descriptor


LAWM139: Copyright and Trade Mark 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 copyright and trade mark law, and how this explains the operation of the law today. We will assess current case law and statutes through a critical lens in terms of the alleged purposes of copyright and trade mark law. The course is designed to make you think critically about the function of copyright and trade mark law within society, so that you can understand 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 a deep and systematic knowledge and understanding of the law relating to copyright and trade marks and a range of major concepts, values and principles relevant to their application;
2. undertake complex critical evaluation, comparing, analysing and synthesising innovatively the principles, rules and theories relating to the scope of protection of copyrights and trade mark 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 and argue alternative approaches/ to propose solutions innovatively.
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 time efficiently in preparing for scheduled learning activities and assessments.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:

  • Copyright Subsistence
  • Copyright Infringement & Defences
  • Digital Copyright
  • Moral Rights
  • Trade mark Registration & Absolute Grounds for Refusal
  • Trade mark Registration & Relative Grounds for Refusal
  • Trade mark Infringement & Defences
  • Contemporary Issues in Trade mark Law

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
332670

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities3311 x 3 hour seminars
Guided independent study167Individual reading and lecture preparation (ELE study), further independent research, reading and wider contextual study
Guided independent study50Seminar preparation
Guided independent study50Formative and summative assessment preparation

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).

IP Journals:

  • European Intellectual Property Law Review (EIPR)
  • International Review of Intellectual Property and Competition Law (IIC)
  • Intellectual Property Quarterly (IPQ)
  • Journal of Intellectual Property Law and Practice (JIPLP)