The International Intellectual Property Framework has evolved over the past 150 years in response to the growing complexity of cross-border trade and the increasing need for intellectual property protection as creativity and innovation were shared internationally. This course provides an advanced introduction to international intellectual property law, examining the key international institutions, agreements, and treaties that regulate IP protection globally. Students will explore the development of international IP law, starting from its 19th-century origins, and critically assess its impact on domestic legal systems, particularly in the context of technological innovation and the expansion of international trade.
A central theme of the course is the critical examination of the policy space available to domestic legislators under international intellectual property law, especially in light of the tensions between public interest and private rights in the global IP system. In addition to studying major treaties and landmark cases, students will analyse the intersections between international IP law and other areas of international law, including trade law and human rights law.
This module is designed for LLM students with no prior knowledge of intellectual property law and is open to all LAW PGT students. It is a compulsory course for students specialising in IP law. The module also incorporates elements of regional and national practices, with particular reference to the EU, UK, and US, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of IP law in its international context.