Courses / Module

This module will specifically examine how technological developments are disrupting and challenging the traditional paradigms and frameworks for the operation of intellectual property law, focusing on patent and copyright law.

The module commences by offering a brief overview of copyright and patent protection, mapping how these systems traditionally developed and were designed, including probing the key justifications for copyright and patent protection. It will then examine how technological changes have challenged traditional frameworks, through a series topical issues focusing on contemporary technological developments and how these may impact copyright and patent protection.

The topics examined will include issues such as:

• The role of artificial intelligence (AI) and how this may impact who can hold patent/copyright protection. For example, if a robotic device is used to create a work of art, who can/should hold copyright, would this go to the owner of the robot, the individual(s) who created the software/algorithm allowing the robot to operate, the robot itself?
• The impact of technologies on copyright within the film/music context, including the challenges posed for protecting copyright by the development of digital platforms such as issues around online streaming of music/films and copyright infringement. It will also examine contemporary technological developments such as the development of deepfakes, whereby media or digital representations (including images/videos) can be altered using AI and deep learning, and the role of copyright infringement in such contexts.
• The development of biotechnologies and the extent to which this has disrupted the operation of patent law. For example, the module will consider, the role of biotechnologies in genetic engineering and the potential to create of novel genetically modified animals, or other sentient novel beings. To what extent are/would such modified animals or novel beings be patentable and/or challenge underlying patent criteria applicable, and the ethical issues arising?
• The role of 3D printing and the challenges it poses for traditional patent law frameworks and understandings.