26831 Startup Structures and IP

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Business
Credit points: 3 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

This subject develops knowledge of critical legal frameworks, governance, and intellectual property protection for early-stage enterprises. With a focus on the Australian business environment, students apply these concepts to their venture and take the steps needed to begin and operate a business. The subject supports developing “the asset” value of their business and understanding the importance and value of Intellectual Property. Students also learn about ethical and social responsibilities as an officer of a company by examining legal, regulatory and standards environments and the possible impacts on their personal and business lives as startup founders. Lastly, the subject highlights essential international differences in startup structures and IP.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1.	Demonstrate knowledge of and apply legal, intellectual property and regulatory frameworks relating to early-stage enterprises
2.	Demonstrate understanding of key aspects of starting and operating a new business
3.	Appraise the principles of ethical business behaviours

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

This subject is designed to help students develop a suitable understanding of relevant legal requirements and decision making skills and techniques essential for establishing and running a business.

This subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attribute(s):

Professional and technical competence

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject is offered in blended learning mode during the short teaching periods of six weeks duration. The teaching and learning approach is a mix of online learning and in-class seminars typically scheduled over three evening seminars. Classes are based on blended and flipped learning approaches: students engage with learning materials (including papers, book extracts, videos, etc.) before attending seminars. Seminars include guided critical discussion of learning materials, group work on contemporary case studies, scenarios, workshops, peer discussions and learning from students own professional experiences. Discussions and application of theory, case studies and best practices are supported by online learning and communication tools and the UTS learning management system.

Students are guided in understanding legal and Intellectual Property related issues and devising strategies and processes towards desired outcomes as they relate to their startup. Students also reflect on the effects of such strategies including relevant regulatory and ethical demands.

A formative assessment provides students with feedback to direct their self-study. Ongoing general and individual feedback will be provided throughout the subject via consultation seminars. A summative assessment provides feedback on students' comprehension and application of learning. Students also receive formal feedback on assessment tasks.

Students engage with a broad range of material, including relevant chapters in recommended books, videos, slide decks, practitioner literature, news articles, academic journal articles and online content. Each learning module contains a list of readings and background material provided in advance on UTS Canvas. Students are expected to review and engage with materials before attending the relevant class to stimulate in-class discussion and to explore how the content affects their startup enterprise.

Content (topics)

Consumer Law
Privacy
Business structures
Business agreements
Commercial contracts
Intellectual property
Regulations and compliance
Business ethics

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Impact Report (Individual)

Objective(s):	This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 3
Weight:	70%
Length:	Maximum 1,200 words
Criteria:	Clarity of written and verbal presentation Understanding of IP, regulation, compliance, standards or legal aspects Application of key concepts to early-stage enterprises Justification for strategies to mitigate or overcome legal issues Demonstrating knowledge of ethical and professional decision-making

Assessment task 2: Quiz (Individual)*

Objective(s):	This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 3
Weight:	30%
Length:	120 minutes
Criteria:	Students have three attempts with the best of three determining the mark. *Note: Late submission of the assessment task will not be marked and awarded a mark of zero.

Minimum requirements

Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.

References

Klinck, R. (2016). The Entrepreneur's IP Planning Playbook: A Strategy Guide To Help Solopreneurs, Startup Founders, and Entrepreneurs

Harness Their Intellectual Capital, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, ISBN : 153495323X, 82 pages.
NSW Small Business, https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au

Australian Privacy Act, https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/the-privacy-act

Australian Consumer Law, https://consumerlaw.gov.au/australian-consumer-law/legislation

Australian Government, Australian Trade and Investment Commission, https://www.austrade.gov.au/international/invest/guide-to-investing/running-a-business

Australian Government, IP Australia, https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au