This research theme centres on the role of law in governing property (including land and intellectual property), transactions and markets. The unique feature of Reading's research in these areas is its breadth and focus beyond both the traditional commercial law topics and the general division between public and private law. In particular, our research incorporates all transactions regardless of the identity of the parties (as private parties, consumers or public entities) or the nature or type of the transaction (as being formal or informal, personal, 'domestic' or commercial) as well as markets that are subject to regulation: for example, in the health, utilities and financial services sectors. We are interested in understanding the role that law does and should play across these three distinct but interconnected areas and the types and forms of legal regulation that are invoked.
Postgraduate Taught
We offer courses in Commercial Law (including Distance Learning programmes) and Advanced Legal Studies
Researchers working within the research theme bring a variety of expertise and approaches. Our expertise includes intellectual property, competition law, regulated industries, health law, pharmaceutical law, product liability, land, equity, unjust enrichment and remedies. Our work adopts a range of approaches including doctrinal, socio-legal, empirical and theoretical (including feminist legal studies).
Some of the research undertaken within the Property, Transactions and Markets research theme has synergies with the Centre for Commercial Law and Financial Regulation (CCLFR).
The theme welcomes proposals from academics who would like to spend some time with us as a Visiting Scholar. More details on the process for applying can be found here.