Program Overview

Introduction to LAWS 336

The course LAWS 336, Special Topic: Trade Marks & Unfair Competition, offers a detailed consideration of the law of trade marks, including related unfair competition law. Topics covered include the scope of protection of trade marks as registered rights, the protection of geographical indications, the doctrine of passing off, mātauranga Māori and its relationship with trade mark law, relevant challenges in the online world, the protection of famous trade marks, international trade mark obligations, and remedies for infringement of rights.

Course Details

Course Options

The academic year is the teaching period covered by trimesters 1, 2, and 3. As trimester 3 is taught across the summer, the academic year can end in the following calendar year.

• LAWS 336 will not be offered in 2025.
• Course options include:
  • Offering 5 Jan to 8 Feb, No lecture times, Pipitea, Trimester 3, CRN 36061

Fees

• Domestic students: NZ$962.40
• International students: NZ$4,873.05

Estimated Workload

Approximately 150 hours.

Points

15 points, with one point estimating about 10 hours of work.

Availability

Limited entry.

Entry Restrictions

Prerequisites

• 60 LAWS 200-level points

Corequisites

• 60 further LAWS 200-level, LAWS 301

Restrictions

None

Taught by

School of Law — Faculty of Law

About this Course

The course covers key areas and topical issues in trade mark law, including registered trade marks, passing off, and geographical indications in New Zealand, the Pacific, and other jurisdictions such as the UK where relevant.

Course Learning Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the legal rules and principles about trade mark and unfair competition law in New Zealand and the Pacific.
2. Apply that knowledge to interpret and apply the law to new fact situations.
3. Demonstrate problem-solving skills relating to registration, subsistence of rights, and infringement.
4. Participate in discussion of policy issues surrounding trade marks and related areas.
5. Address the relevant issues in the debate relating to contemporary issues in the field, such as the expansion of trade mark law to address new issues with famous marks, the ability of the law to adapt to the digital environment, and the effect of the law on small and medium businesses.

Assessment

• tbc Mark: 100%

Assessment Dates and Extensions

Due dates for assessments and information about extensions can be found on the University's online learning environment, Nuku.

Mandatory Requirements

To pass this course, students must:

1. Read the assigned material before each class.
2. Be prepared to participate actively in class discussion. If exceptional circumstances may prevent meeting these requirements, students should contact the Course Coordinator for advice as soon as possible.