LAW41610 Patent Law

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module examines the law and policy of the patent system. Basic principles and current issues of patent law and policy are approached from a European and international perspective, comparisons with other jurisdictions will be drawn where appropriate.

The module will introduce students to the foundations of modern patent systems, substantive protection criteria, formal registration requirements, exclusions from patentability, and the institutional framework. Advanced topics are addressed critically, including institutionalization and unification at EU level, morality and patents (against the background of biotechnology, research on human embryos), compulsory licenses (incl. SEPs and FFRAND) and patent law and policy in international trade.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

Critically reflect on the purpose and objectives of the patent system.
Discuss current challenges to the European and international patent system.
Analyze problems in relation to patentability and exclusions thereto, and patent infringement.
Discuss critically the relation between patent law and policy and human rights in the context of globalization.

Indicative Module Content:

Topics covered vary but include:

Justifications for patent systems.
Institutional aspects of patent systems in the EU and at international level.
Substantive protection criteria (inc exclusions).
Patent Infringement.
Patenta, Morality and human rights.
Patent Law in International trade law.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Autonomous Student Learning

250
Total

274
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is taught primarily through seminars. During seminars, students are expected to participate actively, which requires advance reading and reflection.


 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: Student will be required to report and reflect on one of the topics discussed in class in a 3.000 word paper. Week 12 n/a Graded No

50
Seminar: Students will be graded on their participation in seminar activities. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

20
Presentation: Presentations will be delivered in the seminar at a session agreed with the module coordinator. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

30

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided directly in seminars by the lecturers and students. Feedback on the final assignment will be provided online or in a scheduled feedback session.

Name Role
Raphael Ng'etich Lecturer / Co-Lecturer