Intellectual Property

Discussion – 2 hours. This course surveys approaches to privacy regulation around the globe, including a comparison of regulatory frameworks and different policy solutions. The course also introduces the major international privacy regulatory and enforcement institutions. Core lecturing will focus on the European General Data Protection Regulation and how it compares with US law.

Discussion - 3 hours. The principal focus of the course is the federal antitrust laws, concentrating on basic substantive areas of the Sherman and Clayton Acts.  Specific topics include: agreements among competitors (including cartels) to restrict competition; price uniformity and other parallel behavior in the absence of agreement; distribution relationships having collusive and exclusionary effects (resale price maintenance, geographical and other restrictions on resale, exclusive dealing, tying contracts); monopolization; and mergers.

Discussion - 3 hours.  This course examines the ethical, legal, and social issues that arise from research on and use of biomedical technologies.  The course introduces and critically evaluates the dominant principlist approach to Western bioethics. It uses interdisciplinary methods, including critical theory and science and technology studies to consider the role of law on issues arising from biotechnology and science-based knowledge systems that implicate social norms and personal values.

Discussion - 3 hours. We will thoroughly examine the law of copyright, including its application to literature, music, films, fashion, architecture, television, art, computer programs, and the Internet. Issues addressed include: what works are eligible for copyright protection, the copyright owner's rights, the term of protection, copyright ownership and transfer, infringement, and defenses to infringement.

Final Assessment: Exam

Discussion - 3 hours. This course provides a broad survey of intellectual property law.  Areas covered include trade secrets, patents, copyright, and trademark.  We will examine legal doctrine as well as the theories and policies animating the intellectual property system.  In exploring these topics, we will frequently consider the challenges posed by recent technological advances and Internet-based media distribution.  No technical background is required.

Discussion - 2 hours. Intellectual property is increasingly a global phenomenon, as creators seek to distribute their work and inventions across borders, while consumers seek access to creative products and innovations, from books to life-saving medicines. The scope of intellectual property rights set out in international treaties and national laws affect innovation and creativity worldwide. Exceptions to intellectual property rights determine rights to critique and learn. At stake in the balance between rights and exceptions are access to medicines and to knowledge.

Discussion - 3 hours. This course covers all essential aspects of patent law, including: prosecution, post-grant proceedings, patentable subject matter, utility, enablement and description, novelty, statutory bars, nonobviousness, infringement, and remedies.  Students will examine legal doctrine as well as the patent system's public policy objectives and theoretical foundations.  This course is designed for both the non-patent specialist as well as the future patent attorney.  No scientific background is required.

Discussion - 2 hours. We will take an intensive look at important issues in Trademark Law, including the nature of trademarks, the acquisition and loss of trademark rights,  trademark registration, trademark infringement, federal aspects of unfair competition law,  defenses to infringement, and expressive uses of trademarks.  We will also explore the legal frameworks surrounding actions for false advertising, false endorsement, and rights of publicity.

All King Hall externships have two components. Students perform substantive legal work at a field placement, and under the supervision of a faculty advisor, complete professional development assignments. See the externship website for more information. Intellectual property externs work for government, academic, and nonprofit entities. Assignments relate to evaluating, obtaining, and licensing intellectual property. Such activities may include assisting in patent prosecution, prior art searches, freedom to operate analyses, license drafting, and license negotiations.

Discussion - 3 hrs. This course looks at the many ways that the law shapes and regulates the arts, whether through the First Amendment, public funding, tax law, rights of publicity, intellectual property regimes like copyright, trademark, and VARA, as well as the government's own art-making and unmaking, particularly in regard to public art, architecture, and monuments. Assignments may include judicial opinions, briefs, philosophical and legal scholarship, case studies of particular artworks, and in-class oral arguments.