Overview

This module explores the legal frameworks that govern the creation, protection and use of ideas, knowledge and creative expression in contemporary economies. It introduces students to some of the foundational principles of intellectual property law, including key forms of protection such as copyright, and considers the rationales underpinning these legal regimes.

Building on these foundations, the module examines a series of contemporary challenges and debates relating to the ownership, control and circulation of ideas and innovation in a global context. Through thematic “spotlight” topics and case studies, students will explore how intellectual property law engages with emerging technological, cultural, economic and environmental developments. These topics provide illustrative examples through which students can consider the evolving role of intellectual property within wider legal and societal frameworks.

The module will introduce some of the foundational principles of intellectual property law and the legal frameworks governing the protection of ideas, creativity and innovation.

Building on these foundations, the module will focus on selection of contemporary issues and debates concerning the ownership, control and circulation of ideas and knowledge in a global context. Through a series of thematic “spotlight” topics and case studies, students will explore the concept of 'ownership' in law.

Indicative themes may include questions surrounding creativity and new technologies, cultural heritage and traditional knowledge, innovation and sustainable development, the regulation of global markets, and broader debates about the ownership and sharing of knowledge. The spotlight topics will change from year to year to address emerging legal, cultural, technological, and sustainability challenges, ensuring students engage with timely and relevant issues.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -C- to C+ (50-59%)· Demonstrate knowledge of key areas/principles.· Have some, if only limited, evidence of background study.· Be focussed on the question with only some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure.· Attempt to present relevant and logical arguments.· Not contain a large number of factual errors.· Describe major links between topics.· Attempt to analyse and/or explain problems.· Be free of major weaknesses in presentation and accuracy. -good -B- to B+ (60-69%)· Demonstrate strong knowledge and understanding of most of the subject area.· Demonstrate evidence of background study.· Be well structured and focused.· Contain coherently presented arguments.· Be mostly free of factual errors.· Include some elements of original interpretation.· Describe well known links between topics.· Analyse and/or explain problems using existing methods/approaches.· Be presented to high standards with accurate communication. -excellent -A- to A* (70%+)· Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding of the subject area.· Demonstrate extensive background study.· Be well structured and highly focused.· Contain logically presented and defended arguments.· Be free of factual/computational errors.· Include significant elements of original interpretation.· Demonstrate an ability to identify, develop and present new links between topics.· Include new approaches to analysing and/or explaining a problem.· Be presented to very high standards with very accurate communication.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse how legal rules shape the creation, ownership and circulation of ideas and knowledge in contemporary economies, and appraise their role in supporting or constraining innovation and creative activity.

• Assess the challenges posed by emerging technological, cultural, economic and environmental developments, and critically reflect on the implications of these challenges for the legal regulation of ideas, creativity and knowledge.

• Critically evaluate the principles, policies and legal frameworks governing the protection of ideas, creativity and innovation.

• Formulate and critically evaluate reasoned proposals, strategies or approaches for addressing contemporary issues in the ownership, protection and sharing of ideas and innovation, considering societal, business and sustainability perspectives.