Outline

Overview

This introductory unit is designed for students who have not previously undertaken any formal study of Intellectual Property. The unit will cover the fundamentals of law and theory in the main areas of contemporary intellectual Property copyright patents and trademarks. Refer to the Sydney Law School timetable - https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetablel

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	LAWS6854 or LAWS3480 or LAWS3479 or LAWS5180 or LAWS5179 or equivalent unit
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Fady Aoun, fady.aoun@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 October 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person written or creative task	Seminar quizzes (30%) Short quizzes	30%	Multiple weeks Closing date: 05 Sep 2026	3 quizzes, 25 minutes each	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Structured Class Participation (10%) Participation	10%	Ongoing	Ongoing	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Short Answer Quiz	0%	Week 03 Due date: 25 Sep 2026 at 23:59	300-500 words.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Short-Release Problem Based Assessment (60%) Assignment	60%	Week 09 Due date: 02 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 Nov 2026	4500 words / 8 working days	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task (0%)

This unit includes an Early Feedback Task that is designed to provide students with timely insights into their understanding and engagement with the unit content. The Early Feedback Task in this unit is a designed to ascertain the student's knowledge base and research interests before and during the early stages of this course and will involve a series of short answer questions. The task will be available on Canvas from 18 September 2026 to 25 September 2026, 11.59PM Sydney Australia time. It will be tailored to reflect key concepts from the first day of classes. Students will be provided with immediate automated feedback upon completion of the task.

Structured Class Participation (10%)

This includes demonstrable preparation for seminars, asking and answering questions in class, contributions to general discussion and contributions to small group tasks. Students will be placed “on call” for various sessions and are expected to have read the assigned material, speak to that assigned material in class, and be able to answer questions from the Unit Coordinator. These contributions are targeted towards students demonstrating knowledge and a basic understanding of key IP concepts and relevant laws (LO1 and LO2) as well as critically analysing and evaluating those principles, legislative rules and policy considerations (LO4) and conveying and/or applying those IP principles orally and/or in writing (LO5). This also includes a self-assessment component, encouraging student self-reflection on their own learning in the unit. Students will be expected to have reflected on the assigned subject matter, and this may include requiring them to answer questions with laptops closed.

Seminar Quizzes (30%)

Beginning in the second class, viz 16 October 2026, there will be three in-class 30 minute quizzes designed to assess student understanding of key IP concepts and relevant laws (LO1 and LO2) as well as critically analysing and evaluating those principles, legislative rules and policy considerations (LO4) and conveying and/or applying those IP principles (including legislative provisions and case law) in writing (LO5). The format of the quizzes will be determined by the unit coordinator, either online via Canvas or handwritten pen to paper. The final 30% mark will be awarded for the best mark received in the completed quizzes, i.e. the best result will count towards the final grade. Special Consideration may be made only if all three quizzes are missed. Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve an alternate assessment task at the discretion of the unit coordinator, including a viva voce (oral) assessment.

Short-Release Problem Based Assessment (60%)

The problem-based assessment includes a mix of problem question(s) and may contain some short answer/essay question(s). This assessment requires you to write a 4500-word (excluding non-discursive footnotes) response to a problem question and/or attendant short answer/essay question(s). This assessment will be released at 5pm on 19 October 2026 and is due by 5pm on 2 November 2026 (Sydney, Australia time).

By answering content-specific legal problems through appropriate legal advice (LO4), this problem based assessment requires students to demonstrate an understanding of (LO1-2) and critically analysing and evaluating (LO3) relevant Intellectual Property concepts, legislation and policy. In so doing, students are expected to convey their knowledge, understanding, and analyses of IP principles and policy (LO5) as well as apply the skills of case analysis and statutory interpretation (LO6) developed in the unit of study.

Word limit penalty: A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for essay and other written assessments will exclude all non-discursive footnotes and any bibliography (if required).

Use of editors or proof-readers: The use of assistance in preparing and editing assessment tasks in this unit of study is strictly prohibited. Assistance includes human and automated writing tools (not including spell checking). The use of Studiosity does not breach this rule but must be acknowledged.

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	• Completely answers the question. • Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. • Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required). • Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. • Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	• Completely answers the question. • Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues. • Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. • Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. • Generally well expressed and free from errors. • Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65 - 74	• Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question. • Contains no significant errors • Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. • Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. • Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	• Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. • Contains some significant errors. • Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. • Offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question. • Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. • Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. • Adequate expression. • Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.
Fail	0 - 49	• Does not answer the question. • Contains significant or numerous errors. • Few or no identifiable arguments. • Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. • Lack of research or analysis. • Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. • Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The late submission of a piece of assessment, which has not been granted an extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks allocated to the piece of assessment per calendar day or part thereof. For example, if your assignment is due on Friday, at 5pm and you submit your paper at 5.10pm on the same day, you will be penalised 10%. Similarly, if you submit your paper on Friday at 11.59pm, you will be penalised 10%. However, if you submit your paper at 12am on Saturday, you will be penalised 20%.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 08	Day 1: Copyright. Topic 1: Introduction to Intellectual Property. Topic 2: The Nature of Copyright & Related Rights Topic 3: The Subsistence of Copyright	Seminar (6.5 hr)
Week 10	Day 2: Copyright. Topic 3: The Subsistence of Copyright (continued) Topic 4: The Infringement of Copyright	Seminar (6.5 hr)
Week 11	Day 3: Copyright Topic 5: The Copyright - Design Overlap Topic 6: Protecting Confidential Information and Commercialising Intellectual Property Day 3: Trade Marks Topic 1: Introduction to Trade Marks and Trade Mark Theory Trade Marks Topic 2: Trade Mark Registration Process; Ownership; Absolute Grounds of Refusal	Seminar (6.5 hr)
Week 12	Day 4: Trade Marks Topic 2: Relative Grounds of Refusal; Removal from Register. Topic 3: Trade Mark Infringement & Remedies Trade Marks Topic 4: The Law of Unregistered Trade Marks (Passing Off) & Misleading & Deceptive Conduct (ACL) Brief Introduction to Patents; the Patent Specification; Patentable Standards; & Patentable Subject Matter	Seminar (6.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend at least 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for each unit of study. Failure to meet this requirement may result in a student being precluded from undertaking the final assessment.

For units offered in Intensive mode, participation in all scheduled sessions may be expected by a Unit Coordinator in order to satisfy the requirements of the unit.

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer. A link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at Referencing and Citation Styles: AGLC4.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

1. Legislation

As the rights you will be studying are creatures of statute, you will need to acquire the relevant legislation for each section of the unit of study.

Students may choose to obtain access to the legislation via https://www.legislation.gov.au/ or www.austlii.edu.au.

2. Recommended texts:

David Price, Colin Bodkin, and Fady Aoun, Intellectual Property: Cases and Materials, ThomsonReuters, 6th ed, 2017 (‘PBA’)

William van Caenegem, Judith Bannister, and Charles Lawson, Adam Liberman, and Andrew Stewart, Australian Intellectual Property Law, 7th ed., LexisNexis Butterworths, 2022 (‘VCBLLS’).

Please note that the cases listed in the reading guide which will be available on Canvas are also available electronically through the Law Library’s databases. Many are available on www.austlii.edu.au, and where possible I have tried to hyperlink important cases or set them out in the reading materials.

See further the extensive list of texts in the Reading Guide.

3. Reading Materials

Reading materials can be downloaded from the unit LMS site. In order to access online reading materials, it is essential that you are officially enrolled in the unit and have a current student card.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and principles of intellectual property law
LO2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the legislation and policy in the core areas of intellectual property law
LO3. Critically assess and evaluate the principles, legislative rules, and policy in core IP areas
LO4. Apply IP principles, rules, and policies and legal method to new situations and formulate appropriate legal advice that can be communicated both orally and in writing to specialist and lay audiences.
LO5. Apply case analysis and statutory interpretation skills relevant to IP law including the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), Designs Act 2003 (Cth), Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth), Patents Act 1990 (Cth), and Australian Consumer Law and attendant cases.
LO6. Apply relevant legal research methodologies, especially in developing sound, critically reasoned arguments supported by appropriate primary and secondary scholarly sources.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Assessment has been updated.

Additional information

Note, I cannot change the Unit description blurb on Sydney Student (it is restricted) in the Learning Outcomes tab but it should read:

This introductory unit is designed for students who have not previously undertaken any formal study of Intellectual Property. The unit will cover the fundamentals of law and theory in the main areas of contemporary Intellectual Property, specifically, copyright, trade marks (registered and "common law" marks), and patents.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS6873: Principles of Intellectual Property

Intensive September - October, 2026 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links