Intellectual Property, Ethics and Legal Issues [CT031-3-2 IPELI]

Question
Zizi and his 2 business partners have recently started a business, named Zizi Software House
(ZSH). Zizi is the principal capital contributor, holding 60% interest in the business while his
business partners, who were his former university mates own 20% interest each.
ZSHs core business is to develop specialised software solutions for banks and finance
companies. Zizi designs the software himself and employs Andrew, an experienced
programmer, to assist him.(Copy Right)
Zizis 2 business partners are involved in the operation and marketing of the business,
as Zizi has very little knowledge and experience in those areas. (Confidential
Information)
To promote his business further, Zizi employs Ben to create an e-commerce site for ZSH to
sell off-the-shelf software to a worldwide market. Already, Zizi has received orders from
Europe and the Middle East for his software.(Trademark)
In addition to the above, to heed the governments call for innovation, Zizi is planning to set
up a Research & Development department under ZSH to create new products to diversify
ZSHs existing business. Zizi is planning to appoint Yoyo, a renowned inventor, to head his
R&D department.(Patent)
Advise Zizi on the legal issues on intellectual property and the legal methods he can employ to
protect intellectual property belonging to his business.

Level 2

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation

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Intellectual Property, Ethics and Legal Issues [CT031-3-2 IPELI]

Instructions
1.

You are required to write your answer within the word limit of 2,000 words. This
limit excludes citations and references.

2.

In the event the maximum word limits are exceeded, any part or parts of the answer in
excess of the word limit will be disregarded.

3.

The following is a general guide as to the report layout:

Introduction: general identification of the legal issues that will be discussed;
Body: elaboration of the legal issues (identified at the Introduction stage)
and application of those legal issues; and
(c)
Conclusion: summary of the arguments presented and a persuasive conclusion.
(a)
(b)

4.

Your attention is also drawn to APUs regulations on plagiarism; these regulations

apply to this coursework. Any information taken from another source (e.g. lecture notes,
text books, Internet sites) must be referenced using the Harvard Referencing method.

5.

Please state the word count at the end of your answer.

Learning Outcomes
This assignment will assess:
1. Your ability to interpret the concept of Intellectual Property rights;
2. Your skills in researching and ability to articulate a critical appraisal of issues pertaining to
Intellectual Property protection; and
3. Apply your knowledge in Intellectual Property to address the problem put forth.
Assessment Criteria
This assessment will be marked based on the following criteria:CONTENT: Clarity and flow of information and the ability to consider the
legal issues within the constraints of the word limit
RESEARCH: Good and balanced research towards critical evaluation rather
than plain description. Appropriate and different sources must be reviewed,
focusing on academic research and not just secondary research from URLs.
LITERATURE REVIEW: Comprehensive review of the selected texts and
the ability to support views presented with proper reasoning
REFERENCING AND CITATION: Use of Harvard Referencing method to
identify the source(s) of information.
OVERALL STRUCTURE: Use of proper language and grammar; work
must be type-written, neat and presentable
TOTAL

Level 2

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation

40 marks
20 marks
20 marks
10 marks
10 marks
100 marks

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Intellectual Property, Ethics and Legal Issues [CT031-3-2 IPELI]

Performance Expectation
Marks are awarded based on the following guidelines:
Grade

Description of performance level

75% 100%

Good analysis of the problem situation. Clear and convincing application of

legal issues and legal authorities to solve the issues identified. Citations must
be from between 8 to 10 solid references and interesting arguments are
presented based on selected reference sources. Legal arguments are coherent
and convincing, based on reflective reading. Points are supported with valid
explanation and good reasoning. Shows critical analysis, understanding,
thought and reflection of subject matter.

65% 74%

Sufficient points are raised and valid explanations are provided based on
accurate identification of legal issues. Arguments presented are adequate,
based on selected text and relevant areas of legal research. Citations must be
from between 5 to 8 solid references. There is sufficient critical analysis of
problem and possible solutions, reflecting understanding of subject matter.

50% 64%

Basic requirements fulfilled, reflecting some understanding of legal issues and

possible solutions. Recommendations given are based on selected texts. Basic
examples are used to illustrate points. Arguments given are elementary/
general and explanations may either be unclear or unhelpful in clarifying
points. Citations must be from between 3 to 5 reference sources.

Below 50%

No understanding of the subject matter and failure to address the needs of the
question. Points are off-topic and are not related to selected text or areas of
legal research. No understanding of theories and concepts taught. Weak or no
referencing of sources.

Level 2

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation

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