Intellectual Property Law I (Copyright, Privacy and Publicity)

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 6
• Convenor and tutor: Dr Henrique Carvalho
• Assessment: a 2500-word problem question (100%)

From the books we read, to the technology we use, to the clothes we wear, to the information we receive and produce, we constantly interact with the subject matter of the various regimes of intellectual property. In this module we will cover core concepts and doctrines in the law of copyright, privacy and passing off with the aim of stimulating a critical reflection on how intellectual property affects our lives.

This module will appeal to you if you are planning to specialise in commercial law or you are interested in learning about the legal infrastructure of the arts and entertainment sector.

Indicative syllabus

• Conceptual foundations of intellectual property law
• Copyright: context and history, subject matter authorship and ownership, infringement and defences
• Privacy and publicity: the politics of celebrity, misuse of private information, false endorsement and character merchandising

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• operate effectively with key legislation, case law and legal doctrines, with a special emphasis on UK copyright law and the legal protection of privacy and publicity interests
• demonstrate a solid understanding of core concepts and legal doctrines in copyright law, misuse of private information and passing off
• explore conceptual and socio-economic dimensions of these areas of intellectual property law.