Success

20 July 2026  |  27 October 2026

Intellectual Property Law

Applications accepted until
20 July 2026
Short Course Coordinator:
Maria Matsoso
Accreditation:
Certificate of Competence
Course dates
20 July 2026 - 27 October 2026
Applications close
20 July 2026
Overview
This course critically explores whether intellectual property law is expanding at the expense of the public domain, contributing to a global "enclosure movement" that increasingly privatises knowledge and cultural resources. Students examine the constitutional, international, and technological forces driving this shift and assess its impact on access to information, creativity, and innovation. The course also investigates mechanisms that protect the commons — such as fair use, compulsory licences, and open licensing models — and evaluates current South African law reform efforts aimed at restoring balance between private rights and public interest in the digital age. A quality-assured certificate from the University of the Witwatersrand is issued on successful completion.
Duration
14 Weeks
Format
1.5-hour lectures weekly
Pricing
VAT Incl. = R17,060.00

Request more information

Please complete the following info:

    The course content addresses the following topics:


    • The constitutional context of South African intellectual property law
    • The role of international intellectual property law institutions
    • Implications of the shift from the physical to the virtual
    • Theories of the roles of public rights - compulsory licences, fair use exceptions, and term limits - and their place in existing legislation
    • The growth of licensing to create open content (such as creative commons) and the technical and policy infrastructures being developed to expand the creation and use of public rights
    • Law reform initiatives in South African intellectual property law
    Apply now

    Course reviews

    • MAP was a great introduction to the commercial side of the business for a health professional like myself. I am now able to identify and leverage synergies between my department and others in the organisation. Because of the diversity and calibre of its students, WBS has helped me increase my network and I have recommended MAP to a number of my colleagues. It was an investment worth more than the rand value of the course – and motivated me to do my MBA!
      Pumza Mokgehle
      MAP Part-time
    • Doing NMP with WBS has provided me with the basic and highly valuable skills as I prepare myself for a leadership role within my organisation. The programme had practical examples which I could relate to my real situation at work.
      Kanyile Gwija
      NMP