Copyright Law
| Module title | Copyright Law |
|---|---|
| Module code | LAW3302 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Louise Loder (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 150 |
|---|
Module description
This module explores foundational principles and contemporary debates in copyright law. You will critically examine justificatory and emerging theories of copyright and analyse what constitutes a 'work' under copyright law that qualifies for copyright protection. Drawing from the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and key copyright case law, the module examines authorship, ownership, primary and secondary infringement, the doctrine of fair dealing, and defences. You will also critically interrogate current copyright challenges related to digital and AI-generated content, the relationship between copyright and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), copyright in music and copyright's historic relationship with censorship.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to support you in the development of an advanced understanding of copyright law and its evolving relationship with EU copyright law. You will also acquire a working and critical knowledge of the foundational doctrines and principles underpinning UK Copyright Law in the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and case law. The module also aims to develop your skills in research, including the construction and articulation of complex legal, theoretical and conceptual arguments using an interdisciplinary approach.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Critically evaluate and analyse the foundational principles, doctrines and leading authority on copyright law and reform;
- 2. Articulate the nuanced and fast-evolving challenges and tensions in copyright law;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Integrate and assess information from primary and secondary legal sources using appropriate interpretative techniques;
- 4. Define complex legal problems, identify their relative significance, and select appropriate methods for investigating and critically evaluating them;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Select and develop a research question, and prioritise, analyse and organise your research to a strict deadline, in order to construct an original argument;
- 6. Plan and undertake tasks, with minimum guidance, and reflect critically on the learning process.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:
- Justificatory and emerging theories of copyright law
- ‘Works’ in copyright law: What does copyright protect (and what does it not protect)?
- Authorship and ownership
- Copyright infringement, fair dealing and defences
- Copyright case studies which may include: AI and digital copyright, copyright and the SDGs, music copyright and / or copyright and censorship
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 24.5 | 125.5 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 20 | 10 x 2-hour lectures, including revision sessions |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 4.5 | 3 x 1.5-hour workshops |
| Guided independent study | 62 | Lecture and workshop preparation, to include advance reading and preparation of questions and activities |
| Guided independent study | 63.5 | Formative and summative assessment preparation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | 5 minutes with pre-submitted research question and indicative bibliography | 1-6 | Oral feedback from workshop lead and peers (with written evaluation sheet) |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 100 | 2500 words | 1-6 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay (2500 words) | Essay (2500 words) | 1-6 | August/September re-assessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Core textbook reading
- Stavroula Karapapa and Luke McDonagh, Intellectual Property Law (1st edn, OUP 2019)
- Lionel Bently, Brad Sherman, Dev Gangjee and Philip Johnson, Intellectual Property Law (6th edn, OUP 2022)
IP Journals
- European Intellectual Property Law (EIPR)
- International Review of Intellectual Property and Competition Law (IIC)
- Intellectual Property Quarterly (IPQ)
- Journal of Intellectual Property Law and Practice (JIPLP)
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 18/12/2024 |
| Last revision date | 21/02/2025 |
