Law of Trade Marks and Brands, The (LAWS0279)

The aim of this module is to provide students with a detailed understanding of the law of trade marks in the United Kingdom and the European Union. The module will examine the system for registered marks (including the process of registration, revocation, invalidity and infringement) as well as common law marks/unfair competition.

At the end of the module students will be enabled to demonstrate the following:
•    A systematic understanding of the law of trade marks and its operation in the UK and European Union (as far as relevant).
•    A critical awareness of issues and problems relating to the system for registered marks (including the process of registration, revocation, invalidity and infringement), and also common law marks.
•    The ability to critically analyse and interpret relevant legislation, the relevant case law of the UK courts and the European Court of Justice and academic literature in the field.

Module Syllabus

•    Introduction to Intellectual Property and Trade Marks
•    Passing Off and Unfair Competition
•    Registration and Subject Matter
•    Absolute Grounds for the Refusal of Registration
•    Relative Grounds for the Refusal of Registration
•    Infringement
•    Defences
•    Revocation and Invalidity

Recommended Materials

Module reading lists and other module materials will be provided via online module pages, once students have made their module selections upon enrolment.

Key information