Writing memo/a thesis in intellectual property law Professor Bengt Domeij Law faculty, Uppsala University, Sweden

Starting points memo Individually write and orally present a report analyse an IPR-topic. At least 15 pages, but no more than 25 (approx signs including blanks). The deadline for submission of the report is 29 October by 5 pm. The report is submitted via to Oral presentations on 3 November.

Starting points thesis in spring pages typically for a 30 hp essay. Proposal for topic to essay supervisor. Check availability of sources before choise of topic (most important parameter). Purpose is to show capacity to apply gained IPR-knowledge both in terms of substance and methodology.

Independent academic work Memo and essay must be the individual work of the student. Cooperation with other students in the writing of essays is, however, permitted and encouraged. But the final text must be the individual student’s work. Where plagiarism is suspected, disciplinary measures will be taken. An electronic version is always submitted to Urkund (textual analysis with Internet sources and student essaies in a number of universities).

Use of sources in academic work Scientific work is cumulative. You must build on what is already available in the field. Start immediately with putting in references (footnotes) to what your read.

References Essays should contain footnotes and a list of sources/bibliography. References in footnotes to doctrine (books, articles) should preferably be in shortened form, e.g. Brownlie, 1998, p. 34. References in the bibliography to doctrine and other sources must be complete. In giving references to a book, the information necessary is the author's surname and initial, the title of the book, the year of publication.

References References to an article in a periodical should give the author's surname and initial, the title of the article, name of the periodical, the page number of where the article begins and the page number of the quotation/authority to which you refer and year. E.g. Waldock H., The Decline of Moral Rights, European Intellectual Property Law p. 254 (1992). Be consistent!

References References to Internet sources with date you consulted it. The bibliography should be divided into cases, literature and other sources.

Practical hints Begin in the middle of your topic, with something you believe is central to your topic. It is very difficult to know in advance which parts you will cover. Build from the center! Better to write narrowly (in depth) than to try to cover a broad area. Must not be a handbook. Try to problematize! Could the law be otherwise?

Factors in evaluating memo How well the major issues in the legal problem/topic were identified and discussed, The extent, quality and clarity of analysis, as opposed to simply referencing, in particular an ability to weigh different alternatives against each other, and reach a motivated conclusion as to which is better,

Factors in evaluating The disposition of arguments made, the relative space devoted to issues (i.e. more space to more important issues and less space to less important issues), Formalia, in particular the readability of the essay – reasonable margins - and the correct, full and consistent citing of sources in the bibliography, The student’s ability to give alternative solutions to the legal problem,

Factors in evaluating The student’s ability to find and use other sources than course literature, when these sources are relevant to the essay and give genuine insights not found in the course literature The student's ability to express herself/himself in his/her own words. During the oral presentation of the report, the groups are free to choose how they will present the report, i.e. using PowerPoint or other means.

Questions? Good luck! Bengt Domeij