COMP7901A - Legal protection of digital property

Semester 2, 2017-18

Instructor
Dr. Kevin K.H. Pun
Teaching assistant
Mr. Cheuk Sun Bernard Ng
Syllabus This course introduces computer professionals to the various legal means of protecting digital property including computer software, algorithms, IP addresses in the form of domain names, and any work or innovation in digital form. Focus is on the main issues in protecting digital property arising from developments in information technology, and their legal solutions. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) Copyright protection of software and websites, 2) Patent protection of software and algorithms, 3) Legal protection of domain names, 4) Criminal sanctions against offences involving the digital technology.
Introduction by Instructor As digital technology continues to make its impact on modern society, it becomes essential for any computer professional to understand the legal issues arising from the technology and, more importantly, the legal means of protecting digital property. This module follows the well-established international trend of protecting digital creations as intellectual property by examining how such protection is achieved under copyright, patent, trademark and passing off. In addition, the module also considers the protection under criminal law against offences involving the digital technology. While the focus is on the laws of Hong Kong, the discussions are relevant to all other jurisdictions sharing the same or similar legal principles as Hong Kong. The module does not assume any prior legal background and is designed to benefit students coming from different jurisdictions.
Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes Relevant Programme Learning Outcomes
CLO1. Able to identify and explain the main legal issues relating to the protection of digital property. PLO.6, 7, 14
CLO2. Able to describe and formulate solutions to practical legal problems commonly encountered in the protection of digital property. PLO.6, 7, 14
View Programme Learning Outcomes
Pre-requisites Nil
Compatibility Students who have obtained credits for any of the following courses are not allowed to take COMP7901:
  • CSIS0311/COMP3311 Legal aspects of computing
  • ECOM6004 Legal aspects of I.T. and e-commerce
Topics covered
Course Content No. of Hours Course Learning Outcomes
1. Copyright protection of software. 9 CLO1, CLO2
2. Intellectual property protection on the Internet 6 CLO1, CLO2
3. Patent protection of software and algorithms. 6 CLO1, CLO2
4. Legal sanctions for crimes involving the digital technology. 9 CLO1, CLO2
 
Assessment
Description Type Weighting * Examination Period ^ Course Learning Outcomes
2 written individual assignments Continuous Assessment 30% - CLO1, CLO2
2-hour written examination Written Examination 70% May 7 to 26, 2018 CLO1, CLO2
* The weighting of coursework and examination marks is subject to approval
^ The exact examination date uses to be released when all enrolments are confirmed after add/drop period by the Examinations Office.  Students must oblige to the examination schedule. Students should NOT enrol in the course if they are not certain that they will be in Hong Kong during the examination period.  Absent from examination may result in failure in the course. There is no supplementary examination for all MSc curriculums in the Faculty of Engineering.

For reference:
Course materials Recommended reference:
  • Stephenson & Kwan, Cyberlaw in Hong Kong, 3rd ed, LexisNexis 2014
Session dates
Date Time Venue Remark
Session 1 16 Jan 2018 (Tue) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-A  
Session 2 23 Jan 2018 (Tue) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-A  
Session 3 30 Jan 2018 (Tue) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-A  
Session 4 6 Feb 2018 (Tue) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-A  
Session 5 13 Feb 2018 (Tue) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-A  
Session 6 27 Feb 2018 (Tue) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-A  
Session 7 13 Mar 2018 (Tue) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-A  
Session 8 27 Mar 2018 (Tue) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-A  
Session 9 3 Apr 2018 (Tue) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-A  
Session 10 10 Apr 2018 (Tue) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-A  
CB - Chow Yei Ching Building
Add/drop 15 January, 2018 - 28 January, 2018
Quota 100
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