MA5620 – Business Law and Intellectual Property

 

 

 

MA5620 – Business Law and Intellectual Property Course Information Semester 6 Course Code MA5620 Course Name Business Law and Intellectual Property Credit Value 3 Pre-requisites None Core/Optional Optional

Hourly Breakdown

Theory 28 Small Group Activities 14 Practical – Assignment 6 Independent Learning 105

Course Aim

To explain how the law evolved and how it applies in the commercial context, introduce the concept of intellectual property and explain the pathway to obtaining a patent

Intended Learning Outcomes

  • differentiate between Civil and Criminal Law.
  • examine the conditions under which contracts can be formed and discharged.
  • discuss law relating to the sale of goods, agency and different forms of business organizations.
  • analyse the principles of the law of employment, intellectual property and environment pertaining to business scenarios.

Course Content (Only main topics & subtopics)

  • Introduction: Sources of law; legal system in Sri Lanka; the difference between civil and criminal law; tort of negligence and ‘duty of care’.
  • Law of Contract: Essential elements of a contract; conditions and warranties; terms and misrepresentation; essential elements of a contract; conditions and warranties; terms and misrepresentation; discharge of contracts; alternative dispute resolution.
  • Sale of Goods: Definition of goods; sale of goods ordinance.
  • Law of Agency: Legal concept of “agency”; creation of agency; authority of an agent; duties of agent/principal towards principal/agent.
  • The Law Relating to Partnership:Formalities in establishing a partnership; business names legislation; JVs and partnerships; rights and duties between partners.
  • Company Law:Nature of a company – ‘separate legal entity’; lifting the corporate veil; types of companies; company registration; company liquidation.
  • Intellectual Property: Types of IP; patents; prior to research; application for a patent; patent drafting; legal issues of IP.
  • Law Relating to Employment:Sri Lankan legislation on labour; occupational health and safety – factories ordinance; workmen’s compensation.
  • Environmental Law: Environmental law in Sri Lanka; environmental approval of projects.

Teaching/Learning Methods

  • Lectures
  • Student Based Activities

Assessment Strategy

Continuous Assessment 50% Final Assessment 50%
Small Group Activities: 30% Quizzes: 20% Theory: 50% Practical: – Other: –

Recommended Reading

  • Mann, A.G. and Roberts B.S. (2019). Essentials of Business and the Legal Environment Law and Managers’ Finance. Cengage.
  • Wickramarachchi, W. (2010). Commercial Law (1st Edition). Project Management Institute, Sri Lanka.