Introduction to Intellectual Property Law

Timetable

Module aim (aims)

To understand the main principles of intellectual property law, the type and nature of intangible assets.
To gain an understanding of the coexistence and interrelation between different types of intangible assets and the possibilities of their cumulative protection.
To be able to present the different forms of protection of intangible assets at national, European and international levels.
To analyse the different intangible assets and forms of protection of intellectual property rights.
To be able to identify intangible assets and choose the best way to protect them.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

The basic knowledge of civil law. Student should know and understand the main principles of civil law. Students understands basic civil terms. Students has skill in reading and understanding legal acts and judgements.

Syllabus

Week 1: Main legal acts. The role of IP Law. Do We Really Need IP Law ?
Week 2: Introduction to the International Copyright Law. Bern Convention.
Week 3: European and Polish Copyright Law
Week 4: Subject and Object of Copyright Law
Week 5: Computer Law. The Protection of Computer Programms.
Week 6: Neighbouring Rights. Plagiarism. Fair Use.
Week 7: Introduction to the International Industrial Property Law. Paris Convention.
Week 8: European and Polish Industrial Property Law. Main problems.
Week 9: Inventions and Patents. European Patent Law.
Week 10: Protection of Utility Design.
Week 11: Design protection in Poland and in the EU.
Week 12: Trademark protection in Poland and in the EU
Week 13: Geographical indication.
Week 14: Claims in IP Law. The judical protection.
Week 15: Exam and Summary

Reading list

Selected legal acts (Paris and Berne Conventions, TRIPS Agreement, Copyright, Industrial Property Law) and case law of the Polish and European courts and the European Court of Justice.

Websites :
www.wipo.int
www.euipo.europa.eu
www.uprp.pl
www.epo.org

Books :
Handbook of Intellectual Property: Policy, Law and Use, WIPO Publication No.489 Other WIPO publications (available electronically),
A,. Kur, T. Dreier, European Intellectual Property LawText, Cases and Materials,
M. Howe, Russel-Clarke and Howe on Industrial Design, London 2005,
D. Musker, Community Design Law. Principles and Practice, London 2002

Articles:
Students will be required to read articles before each lecture. Articles will be given to students one week before each lecture.

Judgements:
Students will be required to read court judgments. Judgements will be discussed during the lecture.

Powerpoint presentations:
Students will be given powerpoint presentations after each lecture.