Introduction to Intellectual Property Law

Timetable

Module aim (aims)

Understanding of the main principles of IP Law, sort and character of intangible goods·
Rely knowledge about the coexistence and interrelationship between different sorts of intangible goods and possibility of cumulative protection. Presentation of the different forms of protection of intangible goods on the national, European and international level.
Analysis of different forms of protection of IP rights.
Skill at determining the intangible goods and choosing the best way of protection for 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

The selected Legal Acts and Cases Law of Polish and European Courts and European Court of Justice. (Paris and Berne Convention, TRIPS Agreement, Copyright Law, Industrial Property Law)

Web pages : www.wipo.intwww.oami.europa.euwww.uprp.plwww.epo.org

Books : Intellectual Property Handbook: Policy, Law and Use, WIPO Publication No.489Other publications of WIPO (available in e-version), 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 :The students will be obliged to read articles before every lecture. The articles will be given to students a week before every lecture.

Judgments :The students are obliged to read judgments of the Courts. The judgments will be discussed during the lecture.

Powerpoint presentations : After each lecture the students will get the Powerpoint presentations. 1.Information on the use of blended-learning (if relevant)