LAW42000 Copyright Law

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module examines the law and policy of the copyright system in an international context. Copyright harmonization at EU level will form the basis for comparative analysis of different areas of copyright law, including subject matter, exclusive rights, exceptions and limitations/permitted uses and intermediary/platform liability.

Against the background of EU copyright law, the module will explore certain aspects of national jurisdictions and the interpretation and application of national rules in the light of EU law, including primary EU law and fundamental rights. US copyright will serve to illustrate functional equivalences and different approaches to comply with international copyright agreements.

Students are encouraged to contribute with perspectives from their domestic copyright systems.

For the final assessment, student will focus on an area in which they are particularly interested.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

Understand the copyright in an international context.
Interpret national copyright law in the light of International obligations.
Analyze copyright claims in in relation to subsistence, protected rights and permitted uses.
Critically appreciate the jurisprudence of the CJEu in copyright matters.
Reflect on copyright law in the light of technological developments.
Critically reflect upon the balance within copyright law between right holders, users and the general public.
Demonstrate good legal writing and research skills.

Indicative Module Content:

Topics may vary, but generally will include

International Copyright treaties (Berne Convention, WIPI Treaties, TRIPS)
National copyright laws in Ireland, the UK, the US, Germany, and France)
Protected subject matter
Exclusive rights
Exceptions & limitations / Fair use
Online Enforcement
Copyright and digital technologies (AI, Blockchain)
Copyright Management

This module also provides opportunities for students to improve their research skills.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Total

24
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will be taught interactively with basic introductions to the relevant subject area at the beginning of each seminar.

Students are expected to prepare mandatory reading, including cases and articles/blog posts. A reading list will be provided at the beginning of the module and updates will be communicated via Brightspace.

During seminars students are expected to participate in discussions and group work. student are also strongly encourages to steer discussions and focus on areas they are particularly interested in within the scope of a particular seminar.

Through this approach students should also be guided to discover a research topic for their final assessment.

Throughout the semester students will be supported in their preparation for their final written assessment by undertaking research activities by writing a research proposal, and getting feedback on drafts.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Case comments with extended literature review. Week 6 n/a Graded No

25
Essay: Final research essay (max 4000 words) Week 11 n/a Graded No

75

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

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The case comment will be discussed in class post-subission. Students will be given individual written feedback on final paper.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Cliona Kelly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 14:00 - 15:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 12 Wed 14:00 - 15:50
Autumn