General Course on Intellectual Property Customized for Rwanda (DL101ERW)

Module Overview and Learning Outcomes

This module is designed to equip the students with substantive knowledge about Intellectual property and its protection in general. The scope of study for this module is reflected on the overall knowledge of IP specifically tailored in the Rwandan context and a snippet of what will be covered in other modules of the WIPO DL 101 Course.

This module shall be taught using online teaching method, with in-modules assessments. This introductory module shall take around 2 hours to study.

Upon the completion of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Define Intellectual property and its benefits.
2. Know the legal framework of IP.
3. Have knowledge about the forms of IP Protection and their differences.
4. Determine challenges connected to IP and its safety.

Module Overview and Learning Outcomes

This module explains the types of things that are protected under the heading of copyright, the rights that a copyright owner has and how they can be used for commercial advantage. The module explains the remedies that copyright owners may pursue against any abuse of their rights.

This module shall be taught using online teaching method, with in-modules assessments. This introductory module shall take around 8 hours to study.

Upon the completion of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Define copyright and give examples of the types of works that are covered by copyright.
2. Describe the two categories of rights covered by copyright.
3. Explain in about 250 words some of the rights that are protected by copyright. (Reproduction rights, rights of performance, translation and adaptation).
4. Describe the limitations and exceptions that may exist on the rights covered by objective 2.
5. State the general duration of copyright given in the Berne Convention and the WCT.
6. Explain how the ownership of copyright can be obtained and transferred.
7. List 5 measures that can be used to enforce rights.
8. Given a case study involving copyright issues, first identify those issues then indicate the applicable parts of the relevant treaties that address the identified issues.
9. Explain the foundational principle of public domain.
10. Describe how the uses of public domain support creativity in works.
11. Explain the practice of registration of copyright in Rwanda.
12. Describe the status of exploitation of economic rights in a musical work in Rwanda.
13. Describe the status of collective management of copyright in Rwanda.
14. Explain the procedure for enforcement of copyright in Rwanda.

Module Overview and Learning Outcomes

This module will explain to you the types of related rights, how they are obtained, the duration of the rights and the main international treaties or convention that are concerned with related rights.

This module shall be taught using online teaching method, with in-modules assessments. This introductory module shall take around 4 hours to study.

Upon the completion of this module, the students should be able to:

1. List the beneficiaries of related rights.
2. Explain the nature of the rights available to beneficiaries of related rights.
3. Cite the duration of related rights as given in the Rome Convention, the TRIPS Agreement, the WPPT and the Beijing Treaty.
4. Explain how the concept of related rights may be extended to encompass “traditional cultural expressions (TCE).”
5. Describe the way performers, producers of phonograms, and broadcasting organizations exercise their rights in the Rwandan context.
6. Discuss enforcement of related rights in Rwanda.

Module Overview and Learning Outcomes

In this module you will be able to learn what sort of signs can be used as trademarks and what characteristics they must have and by the end of the module you should be able to distinguish between a collective mark and certification mark. This module will also explain how well-known marks are given special protection. Finally, the module will describe how a trademark may be protected internationally and the issues that arise when at trademarks are frequently used on the internet.

This module shall be taught using online teaching method, with in-modules assessments. This introductory module shall take around 8 hours to study.

Upon the completion of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Explain what a trademark is, its main functions and describe briefly signs that may serve as trademarks.
2. Describe the conditions for protection of a trademark.
3. Make a distinction between a collective mark and a certification mark.
4. Indicate the exclusive rights of a trademark owner.
5. Describe how well-known marks are protected under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (the Paris Convention) and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement).
6. Explain how a trademark may be protected internationally.
7. Explain about trademarks on the Internet.
8. Indicate the process for trademark registration in Rwanda.
9. Describe the procedure for enforcement of trademark in Rwanda.
10. Explain border measures to trademark protection.

Module Overview and Learning Outcomes

This module will explain to you the concept of geographical indicators, often termed GIs, how they are different from trademarks and appellations of origin, the laws that protect geographical indications and the international legal frameworks pertaining to these indications.

This module shall be taught using online teaching method, with in-modules assessments. This introductory module shall take around 5 hours to study.

Upon the completion of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Describe the nature and purpose of a geographical indication.
2. Give some examples of geographical indications.
3. Describe the difference between the terms geographical indication, appellation of origin, and indication of source.
4. Describe different methods of protection for geographical indications.
5. Describe the status of geographical indications protection in Rwanda.

Module Overview and Learning Outcomes

This module concerns a form of intellectual property called “ Industrial Design”. The concept of Industrial Design will be described together with the benefits resulting from industrial design protection. The module will also outline the protection requirements and the different means of protection of industrial designs.

This module shall be taught using online teaching method, with in-modules assessments. This introductory module shall take around 4 hours to study.

Upon the completion of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Explain what an industrial design is.
2. Explain the differences between an industrial design and a trademark.
3. Explain the difference between an industrial design and a patent.
4. List the benefits of industrial design protection for
   1. The owner of the protection.
   2. The consumer of the product.
5. Outline the requirements for protection.
6. Describe the way in which an industrial design can be protected, nationally and internationally.
7. Describe the status of industrial design protection in Rwanda.

Module Overview and Learning Outcomes

This module will explain to you the purpose of a patent, the benefits of obtaining a patent, what kinds of inventions may be patented and how long does patent protection last. Also explained will be the nature of the international patent system.

This module shall be taught using online teaching method, with in-modules assessments. This introductory module shall take around 4 hours to study.

Upon the completion of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Describe the purpose of a patent.
2. List the generally recognised conditions for patentability.
3. Enumerate the exclusive rights conferred by a patent.
4. State who is responsible for taking the initiative to enforce a patent.
5. Explain why a patent is required in any country before you can sue an infringer in that country.
6. Describe the procedures undergone when a patent application is filed nationally, regionally or via PCT.
7. Describe the protection of IP under Trade Secrets, and the requirements under the TRIPS Agreement for effective protection under this form of protection.
8. State the public domain in the context of patents and describe the relationship of ‘prior art’ and public domain.
9. Describe the process of patent acquisition in Rwanda.
10. Discuss the protection of IP under utility model.

Module Overview and Learning Outcomes

This module is concerned with the concept of unfair competition. The module will explain what sorts of acts could be considered as unfair competition and explain the remedies that can be used, together with the obligations countries must fulfill, to ensure fairness in competition.

This module shall be taught using online teaching method, with in-modules assessments. This introductory module shall take around 8 hours to study.

Upon the completion of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Give examples of unfair competition.
2. List and explain the major categories of unfair competition.
3. Explain some of the variations in different countries’ approach to unfair competition.
4. Describe the Rwandan approach to unfair competition practices.

Module Overview and Learning Outcomes

This module will focus on the role WIPO in the administration of registration systems for marks, and industrial designs and appellations of origin. Additionally; the module will deal with the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Furtherly; the module shall provide a description of the international registration systems.

This module shall be taught using online teaching method, with in-modules assessments. This introductory module shall take around 9 hours to study.

Upon the completion of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Describe the systems of international registration administered by WIPO.
2. Explain who can use the Madrid System and what the requirement of the basic mark is.
3. Draw a diagram explaining how an applicant can use the Madrid System to get protection for a mark in multiple markets.
4. Describe the roles of the Office of Origin, WIPO and a designated Contracting Party in the international registration process.
5. State the protection period for a mark under the Madrid System.
6. Identify the benefits of protecting an industrial design internationally.
7. Explain the process of legal protection offered to industrial design by The Hague Agreement.
8. Explain who can use the Lisbon System and what the requirements of the recognition and protection in the country of origin are.
9. Draw a diagram explaining how an applicant can use the Lisbon System to get protection for an appellation of origin in multiple markets.
10. State the protection for an appellation of origin under the Lisbon System.
11. Explain the purpose of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
12. Describe the benefits of the PCT.
13. Draw a diagram of the process involved in using the PCT.
14. Explain the role of WIPO in the PCT.
15. Describe the way applicants can take advantage of international registration systems Rwanda is party to.

Module Overview and Learning Outcomes

This module seeks to acknowledge the protection of new plant varieties through describing the achievements of breeders of new plant varieties as a result of protection which satisfies specific criteria.

This module shall be taught using online teaching method, with in-modules assessments. This introductory module shall take around 4 hours to study.

Upon the completion of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Explain the role of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV).
2. Explain why farmers, growers and consumers need new plant varieties and the role of plant variety protection.
3. Explain who is entitled to a breeder’s right and the subject matter of protection.
4. List the requirements for a new plant variety to be protected.
5. Identify the scope of the breeder’s right and the exceptions to the breeder’s right.
6. Define the duration of protection and the role of provisional protection.
7. Explain the benefits of plant variety protection and UPOV membership.
8. Explain procedures for registration of a plant variety on the national plant variety list in Rwanda.

Module Overview and Learning Outcomes

This module offers general information on the interface between intellectual property (IP) and traditional knowledge (TK), traditional cultural expressions (TCEs), and genetic resources (GRs). It briefly addresses the most important questions that arise when considering the role that IP principles and systems can play in protecting TK and TCEs from misappropriation, and in generating and equitably sharing benefits from their commercialization. It shall also address the role of IP in the access and se of Genetic Resources, as well as in the sharing of the benefits arising from their utilization.

This module shall be taught using online teaching method, with in-modules assessments. This introductory module shall take around 9 hours to study.

Upon the completion of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Explain the meaning of the terms traditional Knowledge, Traditional Cultural Expression and Genetic Resources.
2. Give at least three examples of possible misappropriations in the area of Traditional Knowledge, Traditional Cultural Expressions and Genetic resources.
3. Explain why an integral part of developing an appropriate policy framework for the IP protection of TK/TCEs is a clear understanding of the role and boundaries of the public domain.
4. Describe who are the holders of TK and TCE.
5. Distinguish between positive and defensive protection for TK TCE and GRs with concrete examples.
6. Explain the objectives for protection in the area of TK and TCE.
7. Give examples of how the existing IP system can be used to protect TK/TCE and GRs.
8. Give an example of a sui generis system for the protection of TK/TCE/GRs.
9. Outline the role of the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee.
10. Describe the protection of traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, and genetic resources in Rwanda.
11. Explain the process for access to genetic resources and the sharing of benefits arising out of their utilization in Rwanda.

Module Overview and Learning Outcomes

This module shall explain the important work that WIPO does to promote and empower the use of IP so as to enhance development.

This module shall be taught using online teaching method, with in-modules assessments. This introductory module shall take around 9 hours to study.

Upon the completion of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Explain why development is more than just economic growth.
2. List those aspects of development that are in addition to economic growth.
3. Explain how IP laws can be framed to encourage development.
4. Give examples of the use of IP regimes that encourage development.
5. Describe the role of WIPO in development.
6. Define the WIPO DA and its principles.
7. Identify the cluster of the DA that are most closely associated with a particular issue.
8. Explain what is the mandate of the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP).
9. Give examples of projects arising from the Development Agenda.
10. Give examples of the way in which the Development Agenda has been “mainstreamed” into WIPO’s work.
11. Explain the implementation of the WIPO Development Agenda recommendations in Rwanda.
12. Explain the role of a linkage between universities and High Learning Institutions on one side, and the private sector on the other side for transfer of technology.

Module Overview

This module shall sum up the main information of all the modules to be covered in the WIPO DL 101 Course.

This module shall be taught using online teaching method, with in-modules assessments. This introductory module shall take around 3 hours to study.