Copyright Law

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of copyright law, examining its key concepts, legal frameworks, and applications. Students will explore the role of copyright in protecting creative works, including music, literature, art, software, and more. The course will cover the historical development of copyright, statutory frameworks, international agreements, and current issues in the digital age.

Course Benefits

1. Understanding Intellectual Property: Gain a deep understanding of copyright law as a critical component of intellectual property and its importance in safeguarding creators’ rights.
2. Legal Frameworks and Applications: Learn about the various legal frameworks governing copyright protection, including national laws and international treaties, and how they apply in real-world scenarios.
3. Practical Skills for Creative Professionals: For artists, musicians, writers, and other creatives, the course offers practical knowledge to protect your work and understand licensing agreements.
4. Awareness of Legal Challenges: Stay informed about the evolving challenges in copyright law, particularly in the digital realm with emerging issues related to internet use, streaming, and social media.
5. Career Opportunities: Equipped with copyright law knowledge, students can pursue careers in entertainment law, media law, publishing, or technology companies handling intellectual property matters.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Understand Key Principles: Demonstrate a clear understanding of the key principles of copyright law, including protection of original works, rights of authors and creators, and infringement issues.
2. Identify Types of Protected Works: Recognize the types of creative works that are eligible for copyright protection, such as literary works, artistic works, music, and software.
3. Navigate Legal Frameworks: Understand and apply the various legal frameworks and international treaties that govern copyright, including the Berne Convention and Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
4. Analyze Infringement and Fair Use: Identify copyright infringement and understand the doctrines of fair use, public domain, and other exceptions.
5. Evaluate Licensing and Contracts: Understand how copyright law interacts with licensing agreements, transfers of rights, and related contracts in the creative industries.
6. Address Modern Copyright Issues: Analyze current copyright challenges in the digital era, including issues around digital distribution, piracy, and the balance between protecting creators and promoting public access.