Copyright Law (LAWS70207)

Graduate coursework level 7Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability(Quotas apply)
November
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The subject explores this Australian intellectual property regime in predominantly black-letter terms. It asks students to consider the doctrinal issues implicated by the various aspects of copyright law: subsistence, ownership, infringement, exceptions to infringement and remedies. Also integrated with the curriculum are moral and performers' rights, and the treatment of internet service provider liability as an intermediary between copyright owner and infringer. The subject is structured within an international framework, explaining the importance of treaty norms and with selective use of comparative law.

Indicative list of principal topics:

  • The evolution and theory of the national and international copyright system
  • The material protected by copyright
  • The duration of protection
  • The rights granted by copyright
  • Infringement of copyright, including defences and available remedies
  • Ownership, licensing and assignment of copyright
  • Moral rights and their infringement
  • Copyright law in international perspective.

This subject will be delivered via a 'flipped classroom' model. The substantive content delivery will occur largely outside the classroom, with videos and notes provided to students via Canvas modules. Class hours will be spent applying and debating these principles (and related policy) in order to develop higher level cognitive, problem-solving, advocacy and reasoning skills.

Intended learning outcomes

A student who has successfully completed this subject will:



  • Have an advanced and integrated understanding of Australian copyright system, its economic and social rationales and its international context
  • Be able to critically examine, analyse, interpret and assess copyright doctrine and principles
  • Be an engaged participant in debates regarding the legal protection of creative endeavour
  • Have a sophisticated appreciation of Australian copyright law and its context
  • Generate critical and creative ideas relating to copyright law
  • Articulate and convey complex information on copyright law and policy to relevant specialist and non-specialist audiences
  • Be able demonstrate autonomy, expert judgment and responsibility as a practitioner and learner in the field of copyright law.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Applicants without legal qualifications should note that subjects are taught at an advanced graduate level and requires a thorough background in common law. While efforts are made to meet the needs of students trained in other fields, teaching and assessment activities are designed to give an advanced and integrated understanding of the discipline of law for legal practitioners, learners and researchers. 

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Assessment

November

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Active participation in all synchronous and non-synchronous activities.

Throughout the teaching period10%

Take-Home Examination

  • 4500 words
5 - 8 December 202570%

Online quizzes

  • 1000 words (equivalent)
Throughout the teaching period20%
Hurdle requirement: A minimum of 75% attendance is required.Throughout the teaching periodN/A

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Quotas apply to this subject

Dates & times

  • November
    Principal coordinatorRebecca Giblin
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours34
    Total time commitment150 hours
    Pre teaching start date15 October 2025
    Pre teaching requirementsPlease refer to the Reading Guide on the LMS subject page for confirmation of which resources need to be read and what other preparation is required before the teaching period commences.
    Teaching period12 November 2025 to 18 November 2025
    Last self-enrol date20 October 2025
    Census date14 November 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail19 December 2025
    Assessment period ends30 January 2026

    November contact information

    Teaching staff

    Rebecca Giblin (Coordinator) 

    For current student enquiries, contact the Law School Academic Support Office 

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Additional delivery details

Please refer to the Melbourne Law Masters enrolment webpage for further information about re-enrolment, subject quotas and waitlists. 
Melbourne Law School may reserve places in a subject for incoming international cohorts or where a subject is core to a specialisation with limited alternate options. 

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 4 March 2025