This subject introduces students to the conceptual framework of intellectual property law. Students will examine the theories, policies and principles of intellectual property regulation in Australia, including the statutory regimes of copyright, patent, design and trade mark protection, the tort of passing off, the action for misleading and deceptive conduct and the equitable doctrine of breach of confidence. In addition to examining each discrete area of intellectual property law, students will analyse the interrelationships between these laws, the international implications of the protection of intellectual property and consider topical issues in the field, which may include legal liability for media downloading/streaming, privacy and the regulation of social networking, the patenting of living organisms and the regulation of character merchandising and celebrity endorsements.

Subject rules