General Information
Intellectual Property: Copyright and Entertainment Law is an elective subject in undergraduate programs offered by the Faculty of Law. This subject examines copyright and creative arts aspects of intellectual property law. Attention will be given to the Copyright Act, concentrating on the most recent cases, as well as developments in the entertainment industry, in new technologies including generative AI and new media and communication systems. The rights of entertainers, of producers of copyright products (books, films, sound recordings, videos) and of consumers will be considered. Personality and publicity rights will be considered.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Law Subject code: LAWS13-546 Subject title: Intellectual Property: Copyright and Entertainment Law Subject level: Undergraduate Semester/Year: September 2025 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Intensive Workload items: - Seminar: x3 (Total hours: 18) - Seminar 1
- Seminar: x3 (Total hours: 18) - Seminar 2
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 84) - Recommended Study Hours
Attendance and learning activities: Students are expected to attend and participate in all classes. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: No Prescribed resources.
After enrolment, students can check the Books and Tools area in iLearn for the full Resource List.iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications.
Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student.
To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
Class recordings: The primary workload items for this subject will be recorded for the purpose of revision.
These recordings are not a substitute for attending classes. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions as there may be instances where a session is not recorded due to the presence of a guest speaker, the inclusion of sensitive or protected content, or technical issues. Students are advised not to rely solely on these recordings for revision.
See the Recording policy for further details.
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Law |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | LAWS13-546 |
| Subject title: | Intellectual Property: Copyright and Entertainment Law |
| Subject level: | Undergraduate |
| Semester/Year: | September 2025 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Intensive |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | Students are expected to attend and participate in all classes. |
| Prescribed resources: | No Prescribed resources. After enrolment, students can check the Books and Tools area in iLearn for the full Resource List. |
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
| Class recordings: | The primary workload items for this subject will be recorded for the purpose of revision. These recordings are not a substitute for attending classes. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions as there may be instances where a session is not recorded due to the presence of a guest speaker, the inclusion of sensitive or protected content, or technical issues. Students are advised not to rely solely on these recordings for revision. See the Recording policy for further details. |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge. Students are expected to have completed a minimum of 80 credit points of compulsory law subjects. |
| Restrictions: |
Students must be admitted into a Bachelor law degree or Bachelor of Laws combined degree or be an approved Law Study Abroad OR Law exchange student. |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Identify basic principles of Copyright Law and apply them to problem scenarios.
- Apply principles underlying personality and publicity rights to emerging issues in entertainment law.
- Identify and analyse emerging issues in copyright law and develop arguments on the basis of policy considerations.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Computer-Aided Examination (Limited Open) Final Assessment 50.00% Final Examination Period 1,2,3 Presentation Students will deliver a 10-12 minute oral presentation analysing a legal or commercial issue relevant to the entertainment industry. Topics are to be selected by students in consultation with the subject coordinator and must engage with key legal principles explored during the course (e.g. copyright, contracts, disputes, regulation, globalisation, etc.). 30.00% Week 10 1,2,3 Student Engagement Class Participation 20.00% Ongoing 1,2,3 - * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-Aided Examination (Limited Open) | Final Assessment | 50.00% | Final Examination Period | 1,2,3 |
| Presentation | Students will deliver a 10-12 minute oral presentation analysing a legal or commercial issue relevant to the entertainment industry. Topics are to be selected by students in consultation with the subject coordinator and must engage with key legal principles explored during the course (e.g. copyright, contracts, disputes, regulation, globalisation, etc.). | 30.00% | Week 10 | 1,2,3 |
| Student Engagement | Class Participation | 20.00% | Ongoing | 1,2,3 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A late penalty will be applied to all overdue assessment tasks unless an extension is granted by the subject coordinator. The standard penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment per day late with no assessment to be accepted seven days after the due date. Where a student is granted an extension, the penalty of 10% per day late starts from the new due date.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
Students are expected to attend and participate in all sessions. | Students may be asked to respond to questions from the subject coordinator regarding the content of their assessments. Students are expected to keep evidence of drafting and research.
Subject curriculum
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Introduction to Copyright and Entertainment Law
Provides an overview of the entertainment industry and the legal frameworks that govern it, with a focus on the interaction between copyright, commercial practice, and industry dynamics across music, film, television, games, and publishing.
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Roles and Responsibilities of Relevant Stakeholders
Explores the various participants in the entertainment ecosystem—including artists, managers, agents, labels, publishers, production companies, and streaming platforms—and examines their legal relationships and obligations.
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Introductory Concepts in Copyright Law
Introduces the foundational elements of copyright law, including the types of protected works, subsistence, originality, and fixation, with reference to Australian and comparative legal frameworks.
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Copyright Ownership and Exploitation
Analyses authorship, joint ownership, and the legal mechanisms by which rights are assigned or licensed. Also considers the roles of collecting societies and modern exploitation channels.
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Copyright Infringement
Examines what constitutes infringement, including direct and authorisation liability, substantial reproduction, and secondary use, using industry-relevant case examples.
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Copyright Exceptions
Reviews the statutory exceptions to infringement, including fair dealing (for research, parody, education, etc.), and other policy-based limitations on exclusive rights.
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Business Structures
Discusses the legal and tax implications of various business structures used in the entertainment industry, including sole traders, partnerships, companies, and trusts, with a focus on income distribution and risk management.
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Contract Negotiation and Common Disputes
Introduces key contractual principles relevant to entertainment law and identifies common areas of dispute. Also covers negotiation strategies and dispute resolution mechanisms.
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Income Streams and Compliance
Provides an overview of the various income sources in the industry—such as royalties, advances, sync fees, and performance income—and discusses the legal frameworks and compliance obligations related to each.
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Court Processes and Remedies
Covers litigation pathways, alternative dispute resolution, and remedies available for breach of contract and infringement, including damages, injunctions, and statutory penalties.
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Globalisation of the Entertainment Industry
Considers the international dimension of entertainment law, including treaties, cross-border enforcement, digital rights management, and emerging challenges like generative AI and global streaming platforms.