LAW37670 Copyright Law

Academic Year 2022/2023

Copyright law has become increasingly important with the advance in information technology. Today, copyright law largely determines how we access information online and how we interact with and share such content. The Module will introduce students to the basics of copyright law at national, European and International level. Students will explore the sources of copyright law at all three levels, to develop a solid understanding of the main element of this area of the law.
For that purpose, the module will look at the tension between the interests that are competing within the regulatory sphere of copyright law. Students will examine what subject matter is protected by copyright and related rights and the conditions that apply to to that protection. The scope of these rights will be contrasted to exceptions/permitted uses. Throughout the module, specific attention will be paid to copyright law in a digital environment and reference will be made to current policy discussions at European and international level.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

(a) Knowledge and understanding: Students will develop an advanced understanding and in-depth knowledge of copyright law. Students should be able to understand the nature and function of copyright and how it is exploited at a domestic and European and international level. This comprises the rights of right holders but also the interests of users of works protected by copyright. Students will understand why and how copyright is used to protect works and the associated problems created for users.

(b) Intellectual skills: Students will develop the capacity for critical thought about current rules and imaginative thinking about ways to remedy problems in the existing law. They will be able to resolve complex practical problems relating to the laws studied. They will also be able to research efficiently in the field. They will develop both synthetic and analytical skills in the field studied.

(c) Transferable skills: Students will enhance their oral and written communication skills. They will be able to communicate their understanding and knowledge in a clear and structured written as well as oral form. Students will enhance their research skills and ability to use electronic information tools.

Indicative Module Content:

1. Justifications for copyright protection / Origins
2. International and European legal framework
3. Subject Matter
4. Duration
5. Ownership
6. Exclusive Rights
7. Exceptions & Limitations
8. Moral Rights

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

120
Lectures

24
Total

144
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will be taught in lecture format with interactive elements. Throughout the module, students will be confronted with practical problems and case-studies to enhance their learning. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
LAW30740 - Intellectual Property Law


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: The second assignment is due in week 11. Students will have 24h to complete a short problem question on the second part of the module (max. 1500 words). Week 11 Yes Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

50
Examination: The first assignment is due in week 6. Students will have 24h to complete a short problem question on the first part of the module (max. 1500 words). Week 6 Yes Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

50

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

General feedback will be provided post-assessment.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Máire Ní Shúilleabháin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Andrew Woods Lecturer / Co-Lecturer