Intellectual Property Law in the Digital Society, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

• 180 ECTS credits passed with 90 ECTS credits in the subject area of Business Law including an in-depth academic paper of 15 ECTS credits
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
  Exemption for Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course, the student shall at an advanced level be able to: 

account for the rules of international and EU intellectual property law, e.g. copyright, patent law, design law, trademark law, related legislation on unfair competition law, trade secret law, and private international law in these areas of law,

identify and solve practical legal problems within the specified areas of law,

describe the main problems in the specified areas of law, which arise due to digital technologies and digital environments (e.g. Internet, social networks, computer games, and services that provide access to music, film and photography);

account for the legal policy discussions that occur in the areas and be able to take a reasoned position on such issues,

in an independent academic work, discuss issues arising in the field of intellectual property in the digital society, with the help of methods that are appropriate in the field,

clearly and orally present and discuss conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based;

critically review and evaluate the academic work of others and orally report on the application of academic assessment criteria for such criticism and the results of such an evaluation.

Course content

The course deals with EU law and international law on the theme of intellectual property in the digital society. The course also contains comparative elements to provide perspectives on other countries' intellectual property laws and their application. The course begins with a theoretical overview of the principles and rules of intellectual property law, with the aim of updating and deepening students' knowledge of intellectual property law and its practical application. The main part of the course is then devoted to in-depth studies with a focus on specially selected intellectual property problems associated with digital environments and technologies.

Teaching and working methods

The teaching is conducted in the form of lectures, seminars and writing a group assignment. Students are also expected to pursue self-studies.

Language of instruction: English

Examination

Examination occurs through:

- Individual written exam 

- Active participation in seminars

- Written group assignment 

- Active participation in the presentation of an independent assignment 

- Active participation in the opposition of another’s independent assignment 

For a passing grade, Pass (G) is required on all parts of the examination. For Pass with Distinction (VG), VG is required on the written group assignment.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department