Fundamentals of Intellectual Property Law in Singapore (GSP171)

Students will be given an introduction to intellectual property (“IP”) laws in Singapore, and also to how IP rights may be created, protected and exploited. The course will cover the most common forms of IP protection, with a focus on copyrights, trademarks, patents and confidential information. The different forms of IP protection will be contrasted, and the course will also cover the legal requirements for securing protection, as well as the nature of the rights given to IP owners for each type of IP right. The course will also cover practical issues such as: the use and marketing of IP rights by IP owners, including through licensing, franchising and assignments of IP; strategies for managing IP portfolios; and will also discuss remedies available to IP owners for infringement of their IP rights. Students will be exposed to key intellectual property legislation and also case law dealing with IP issues.

• The Concept of “Property” and “Intellectual Property”
• Sources of IP Law
• Copyright
• Trade Marks & Passing Off
• Patents
• Confidential Information
• Enforcement of IP Rights
• Licensing and Franchising
• Transferring Ownership of IP
• Managing IP in Business

• Classify different types of IP rights and forms of IP protection.
• Discuss sources of IP law and justifications for IP protection.
• Explain the nature of the rights conferred on IP rights owners for different forms of IP and the requirements for securing different forms of IP protection.
• Define “infringement” of IP rights and the implications of such infringement.
• Demonstrate how IP rights are applied in day-to-day situations, for example, through licensing and transfers of ownership.
• Recognize where IP rights exist or are created and determine the most appropriate forms of IP protection applicable to particular subject matter.