The main objective of this course is to equip students with knowledge of intellectual property rights (IPR), the related protection systems, their significance and use of IPR as a tool for wealth and value creation in a knowledge-based economy.

The uniqueness of this course lies in the elucidation of multi-faceted issues: a study of the legal, economic and management challenges presented to the IPR protection system as a result of advancement in science and technology will be made. Ethical ramifications and issues of public policy will also be examined.

At the end of the course the student will have:

1. A comprehensive knowledge of the various categories of IP, i.e. Copyrights, Patents, Designs, Trademarks, Trade Secrets etc.
2. A good knowledge of the national and international IPR protection system and its implications for business: the impact of IPR on trade; the impact of the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights Agreement (TRIPs); the relevance of the international conventions and treaties, and issues of dispute resolutions and enforcements of IPR.
3. An in-depth appreciation of the significance of the IPR protection system as a tool for technology innovation, technology transfer and ultimately its role in the creation of greater wealth and value for corporations and individuals; the many facets of IPR protection: legal, economic, managerial and social.
4. An in-depth appreciation of the many facets of IPR protection: legal, economic, managerial and social, and the controversies brought about by advancement in science and technology, particularly in the areas of biotechnology, computer technology and the Internet, and
5. Understanding of Filing and Obtaining IP protection