Spring (Exam only in semesters with teaching).
Combines successfully with Introduction to Copyright Law (JUS277-2-A)
Works of authorship, such as books, music, films and computer software, travel easily across national borders, giving copyright law an international dimension almost by definition. Indeed the oldest international copyright conventions already date back from the 19th century. The ongoing globalization of information markets and the advent of the Internet have accelerated this process of internationalization. Increasingly, national copyright norms are being established at the international level, either in the form of multilateral treaties or bilateral instruments.
This course on International Copyright Law explores past and recent developments in international copyright law. Following a comparison of national legal systems, the focus will shift to the main treaties providing international copyright protection: Berne Convention, TRIPs Agreement, WIPO `Internet treaties¿ and bilateral treaties. Other subjects covered include international enforcement of copyright; dealing with the rampant problem of mass online copyright infringement, and current developments in international and European copyright law.
Schedule of Classes
The course will be taught in 8 classes of 2 hours each (total 14) hours during the second semester, following this schedule:
Class # 1 Comparing national copyright systems
Class # 2 Berne Convention
Class # 3 WIPO Copyright Treaty
Class # 4 TRIPS Agreement
Class # 5 Bilateral agreements
Class # 6 International enforcement
Class # 7 Copyright and Unauthorized File Sharing
Class # 8 Current developments
Class Participation and Preparation
All students are expected to prepare in advance for class and to participate in class discussions. Homework assignments are posted on the course page on Mitt UiB.
After successful completion of this course students will:
be able to write argumentative texts in the area of international copyright law.
Good English
Three years of university studies
Students should have taken one of the following classes: JUS277-2-A Introduction to Copyright Law or similar introductory course in copyright or intellectual property law at a foreign university.
The course is available for the following students:
The pre-requirements may still limit certain students' access to the course
Students are required to submit a paper between 1800 and 2000 words (not including footnotes or appendices) on a designated topic. The paper must be approved by the lecturer. Only students who have had their paper approved, will obtain the right to sit the exam. Disapproved paper cannot be rewritten the same semester.
Exam only in semesters with teaching.
Three hour digital school exam.
Information about digital examination can be found here:
http://www.uib.no/en/education/87471/digital-examination.
A - E for passed, F for failed.
Exam language:
Support materials allowed during school exam:
See section 3-5 of the Supplementary Regulations for Studies at the Faculty of Law at the University of Bergen.
Special regulations about dictionaries:
Course teacher: Professor P. Bernt Hugenholtz
Administrative contact: elective-courses@jurfa.uib.no