SRT710 - Laws, Properties and Legislation

Outline info
Semester
School
Last revision date 2023-05-29 00:39:40.013
Last review date 2023-07-31 00:15:09.588


Subject Title
Laws, Properties and Legislation

Subject Description
This course will examine various laws and legal issues that relate to information technology.  Relevant topics will include intellectual property related laws, privacy issues, export control regulations and technology procurement related contracting principles.  The primary focus will be on Canadian jurisprudence but US and EU related laws will also be covered as relevant.

Credit Status
1 credit in the IFS program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

  • Contrast differences between the various intellectual property protection mechanisms (copyright, patents, trademarks, and others)
  • Compare traditional copyright regimes to the new open source movement and its implications
  • Discuss current legal issues affecting electronic commerce and the use of information technology in a networked world
  • Analyze and propose intellectual property and privacy policies for a corporate environment
  • Understand and discuss legal requirements affecting companies engaged in the use or sale of information technologies
  • Negotiate the allocation of risks and certain business and legal issues related to the procurement or sale of information technology

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)
SRT611 (After Sept. 2009)
SRT610 (Before Sept. 2009)

Topic Outline

  • Ownership and protection of intellectual property
    • Copyright
    • Patents
    • Trademarks (including Domain Names)
    • Trade Secrets
  • Criminal Law and Regulation
    • Criminal laws relating to computer technology
    • Export controls
    • Regulation of the Internet
    • Other laws governing business conduct
  • Privacy
    • Privacy obligations
    • Policies
    • Contractual Provisions
  • Acquisition and Sale of Information Technology
    • Procurement process
    • Contracting for IT

Mode of Instruction
 3 hours Interactive lecture time  per week

Prescribed Texts

  • Online references
    • Statutes
    • Articles
    • Contracts
    • Policies

Reference Material

  • None

Required Supplies

  • None

Student Progression and Promotion Policy

  • Satisfactorily complete all assignments
  • Pass the weighted average of all assessments
  • Pass the final exam
  • Pass the weighted average of the exam and tests

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+ 90%  to  100%
A 80%  to  89%
B+ 75%  to  79%
B 70%  to  74%
C+ 65%  to  69%
C 60%  to  64%
D+ 55%  to  59%
D 50%  to  54%
F 0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXC Excellent
SAT Satisfactory
UNSAT Unsatisfactory

For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).


Modes of Evaluation

Test(s) 25%
Presentations 20%
Assignments 25%
Final Exam 30%

Approved by: Mary-Lynn Manton