Melbourne Law School The Melbourne Law Masters

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Subjects 2009


Designs Law and Practice 730894

Objectives

A student who has successfully completed this subject should:

  • Understand and be able to apply the principles of law relating to the registration and enforcement of designs
  • Understand the practice relating to the registration and exploitation of designs
  • Have the ability to apply for, prosecute and maintain the registration of a design
  • Understand and be able to apply the principles of law relating to the protection of designs by copyright
  • Appreciate other means of protecting designs
  • Understand the principles of the international protection of designs.
Syllabus

Principal topics will include:

  • Registrable designs: What is a design – newness and distinctiveness
  • Types of design applications
  • Application and registration procedures and Designs Office practice
  • Duration of registration and removal procedures
  • Registration rights and their infringement
  • Defences to and remedies for infringement
  • Validity and infringement of designs registered under the Designs Act 1906 (Cth)
  • Offences and penalties
  • Ownerships, transfer and exploitation of design rights (including compulsory licences and Crown use and acquisition)
  • Rectification and correction of the Register
  • Artistic works protected by copyright and the designs/copyright overlap
  • International conventions and the protection of designs in foreign countries.