This course provides a practically-oriented overview of the legal regulation of Australian innovation. Its primary focus is on the role of intellectual property law – in particular, the laws of copyright, designs, patents, trade marks and related rights – in rewarding and protecting Australian innovations in function and in product appearance, both domestically and overseas. It also situates this discussion of legal regulation within a broader framework of government policy and innovation strategy. It will be of particular interest to those with an interest in the workings of the cultural, scientific and technology industries.

The aim of this course is for students to consider the interrelationship between law and innovation in the 21st-century. No prior legal knowledge is required as students will learn the basics of intellectual property law, for example, copyright and trade marks. Although classes will be based around these specific legal topics, students will engage with contemporary case studies, providing a broader appreciation of innovation issues today.

Regulation of copyright, trade marks, patents, designs and confidential information; role of law in innovation; innovation strategies.

Reflective journal x 2 entries (1000 words total) – 30%

Group presentation & poster – 30%

Final examination (multiple-choice and short answer) – 40%