General Course Information
1.1 Course details
| Course code: | LLAW6243 and JDOC6243 |
| Course name: | Advanced Issues in Intellectual Property Law |
| Programme offered under: | LLM Programme / JD Programme |
| Semester: | Second |
| Prerequisites / Co-requisites: | No |
| Credit point value: | 9 credits / 6 credits |
1.2 Course description
This course is a comprehensive examination of the advanced topics and strategies surrounding intellectual property law in diverse industries. Building on foundational knowledge, the course dives into the intricacies of intellectual property (IP) laws, focusing on their creation, protection, and advanced application in real-world scenarios. This encompasses, but is not limited to, industries such as information technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and music.
The course will scrutinize the technicalities of technology transfer and licensing, delving deeper into the legal constructs that regulate the exchange of technology and knowledge among different parties. It pays specific attention to the role of collaboration in not only the development but also the enhancement of IP utilization. Moreover, the course investigates how organizations can consolidate market dominance via proficient IP enforcement, discussing not only management but also advanced commercialization of IP. The course adopts an interactive approach through the case study method, encouraging students to analyze intricate situations, contemplate varying strategic alternatives, and comprehend the ramifications of assorted decisions.
Upon conclusion of the course, students will have a deepened understanding of the intricate aspects of intellectual property laws. They will be adept at applying their advanced knowledge to a variety of industrial contexts and prepared to influence effectively the strategic decisions of organizations with regards to IP. This course is designed to elevate students’ intellectual property understanding to a level that will enhance their competitive standing in the marketplace.
1.3 Course teachers
| Name | E-mail address | Office | Consultation | |
| Course convenor | Taorui Guan | trguan@hku.hk | CCT 701 | By email |
Learning Outcomes
2.1 Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) for this course
CLO 1 Interpret and elucidate the advanced principles, legal constructs, and strategies underlying intellectual property laws
CLO 2 Utilize profound knowledge about intellectual property rights, technology transfer, licensing, collaboration, and IP enforcement to critically evaluate advanced opportunities, challenges, and changes in the context of organizations operating in various industries.
CLO 3 Apply an advanced understanding of intellectual property laws to adapt to complex, new, and uncertain situations and problems, including those emerging from digitalization, globalization, and evolving business models.
CLO 4 Demonstrate an increased awareness of the broader implications of advanced intellectual property issues within the economic, environmental, and socio-cultural context, considering both the local and global landscape.
CLO 5 Exhibit the ability to leverage the case study method for complex decision-making in the field of advanced intellectual property law, considering the impact of diverse strategic alternatives and their potential consequences.
2.2 LLM and JD Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Please refer to the following link:
LLM – https://course.law.hku.hk/llm-plo/
JD – https://course.law.hku.hk/jd-plo/
2.3 Programme Learning Outcomes to be achieved in this course
| PLO A | PLO B | PLO C | PLO D | PLO E | PLO F | |
| CLO 1 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CLO 2 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CLO 3 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CLO 4 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CLO 5 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Assessment(s)
3.1 Assessment Summary
| Assessment task | Due date | Weighting | Feedback method* | Course learning outcomes |
| In-class participation | N/A | 20% | 5 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| Case study essay | 20 May 2024 | 80% | 1 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| *Feedback method (to be determined by course teacher) | |
| 1 | A general course report to be disseminated through Moodle |
| 2 | Individual feedback to be disseminated by email / through Moodle |
| 3 | Individual review meeting upon appointment |
| 4 | Group review meeting |
| 5 | In-class verbal feedback |
3.2 Assessment Detail
To be advised by course convenor(s).
3.3 Grading Criteria
Please refer to the following link: https://www.law.hku.hk/_files/law_programme_grade_descriptors.pdf
Learning Activities
4.1 Learning Activity Plan
| Seminar: | 3 hours / week for 11 teaching weeks |
| Private study time: | 9.5 hours / week for 11 teaching weeks |
Remarks: the normative student study load per credit unit is 25 ± 5 hours (ie. 150 ± 30 hours for a 6-credit course), which includes all learning activities and experiences within and outside of classroom, and any assessment task and examinations and associated preparations.
4.2 Details of Learning Activities
To be advised by course convenor(s).
Learning Resources
5.1 Resources
| Reading materials: | Reading materials are posted on Moodle |
| Core reading list: | TBA |
| Recommended reading list: | TBA |
5.2 Links
Please refer to the following link: http://www.law.hku.hk/course/learning-resources/