This is an overview course covering the core areas of intellectual property law — copyrights, patents, trade secrets, and trademarks. this course is designed primarily for students who are seeking a basic grasp of the fundamentals of intellectual property law. In an age of rapidly developing technology, it is becoming increasingly important for all lawyers to have some understanding of this area of the law. students who are interested in pursuing a career special- izing in intellectual property law should probably take the separately offered courses in Patent Law, copyright Law, and trademark Law. students should consult with the instructor prior to registration to determine which intellectual property course offering(s) would be most appropriate for them.   

Most of the course will focus on the four most significant types of intellectual property rights (patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret). study will include the scope of these rights, infringement, defenses to infringement, and available remedies for infringement. We will also consider the relationship between the four types of intellectual property right, as well as the extent to which the federal intellectual property regime relates to state law doctrines giving protection to intellectual creations. We will assess the theoretical justifications for legal protection of intellectual property rights and the appropriate balance between legal protections, technological protections, and a robust public domain. the central theme of this course will be how American intellectual property law and policy is adapting, and should adapt, to rapid technological change.

There are no prerequisites for this course, and scientific background is not required. the course grade will be based primarily on an in-class final examination, as well as on several graded quizzes administered during the semester. 

Upper-level course for: