This unit introduces you to the innovation ecosystem and the place of intellectual property (IP) within that ecosystem. In the first half of the unit, you will learn about Australia’s statutory IP rights, including copyright, patents, designs, and trademarks, and the associated international IP conventions and treaties. You will also consider other rights regarding confidentiality and passing off. IP is an important business asset, and in the second half of the unit, you will investigate the commercialisation of IP. To set the scene, you will look at the regulatory context – how government incentivises innovation and commercialisation. You will then consider the foundational components of commercialisation, including the concept of IP due diligences, business structuring and funding issues, negotiations, and options to monetise IP. You will spend the final two weeks of the unit investigating IP licensing, which lies at the heart of IP commercialisation. Major licensing terms, and the associated risks of anti-competitive conduct will be canvassed. Students will have the option to design their own end-of-term research assessment to cater for their particular interests, or to complete a set final paper.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from SUTE data T1/2024

This was a great unit. We were provided with a lot of information and resources that assisted with our learning. AJ provides students with a range of different learning aids that are invaluable to neurodiverse students and those who are juggling their study commitments whilst working and young kids. AJ is inclusive and supportive of every student and committed to providing us with a valuable experience. Her individual assessment feedback assists with understanding how we can improve. I particularly enjoyed the last assessment in this unit. At first I found it challenging with needing to decide on one of three the options. However, once I started, I really enjoyed the opportunity to consider how the changes in government policy have effected innovation in Australia. I had not had an assessment like this and I found it gave me a greater understanding of our system as a whole. We are commonly taught how the judicial and justice system operate and not how the government system and policy impacts society.

Retain topic on innovation policy.

Feedback from SUTE data T1/2024

I thoroughly enjoyed the unit and would commend it to any student. Some extra time issue spotting problems with example IP Agreements may be useful. Additionally, the exposure to real world Australian competition law improved my understanding and is something that could possibly be adopted in other units. The lecturer's enthusiasm and energy provided enormous inspiration. The opportunity for feedback was outstanding and I always felt encouraged and supported each week of the term.

Retain topic on competition law. Consider expanding the IP agreement clause weeks.

Feedback from SUTE data T1/2024

This subject was hard. I really struggled with it in general but the AI side of the assessments I found really difficult. Trying to understand the principles then which ones do not apply to AI I really struggled with. I know AI is a new challenge but I think I would have struggled less in this class having taken it earlier in my degree when this was not discussed.

Emphasise to students that the work on foundational IP principles in the first 6 weeks will be critical to both their mid-term and end of term assessments, and advise they need to keep up with their readings and clarify any queries on the way through, rather than trying to catch up at the end of the unit.