International and Comparative Copyright Law

Code

LAWW4074

School

Law

Level

4

Credits

15

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

The module will deal with the basic principles of copyright law at an advanced level. British copyright law will be studied with reference to the international and European obligations of the United Kingdom in this respect  and comparisons will be made with the copyright laws of civil law countries. This covers an introduction to copyright law, subject-matter of protection, authorship, ownership and dealings, economic and moral rights, term of protection, infringement and defences.

Target Students

Available to postgraduate students in the School of Law. Also available to Erasmus/Exchange students.

Classes

This module is taught in seminar format.

Assessment

• 100% Exam 1 (3-hour): Electronic Exam

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

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, European and international level. This comprises the rights of right holders but also the interests of users of works protected by copyright. 

• Students should understand why and how copyright is used to protect works and the associated problems created for users. 

• They should understand the differences between droit d' auteur and copyright systems and the difficulties in harmonizing copyright law in Europe and internationally due to these differences.
   

b) Intellectual skills:

• Students will develop the capacity for critical thought about existing rules and imaginative thinking about ways to remedy problems in the existing law. 

• They should be able to resolve complex practical problems relating to the laws studied. 

• They should also be able to research efficiently in the field.

• They should develop both synthetic and analytical skills in the field studied.

c) Professional skills: 

• Students will develop practical skills how to solve copyright designs problems as might be encountered in real life. 

• They should also be able to distinguish the best strategy for a client in a given situation.

d) Transferable skills: 

• Students will enhance their oral and written communication skills. 

• They should be able to communicate their understanding and knowledge in a clear and structured written as well as oral form. 

• They will enhance their ability to work in groups (team work) (this is very important, especially if students direct themselves to a practising career). 

• Students will enhance their research skills and ability to use electronic information tools.

Conveners

• Professor Estelle Derclaye