Course Description
A comprehensive study of intellectual property law. Primary topics that will be covered include patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. Emphasis will be placed on creation, ownership, transfer, and use of intellectual property rights.
Athena Title
Intellectual Property Law
Prerequisite
LEGL 2700 or LEGL 2700E or LEGL 2800H
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course focuses on the theory, basic workings, and uses of intellectual property in the modern business place. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to understand and explain the fundamentals, uses, and enforcement implications of intellectual property in today’s economy and society. Students will be able to apply these principles appropriately as business people.
Topical Outline
1. Introduction to Intellectual Property Theory/Law and a General Review of Legal System 2. Trade Secrets a. Creation of a trade secret b. Scope of protection and requirements to continue ownership c. Misappropriation d. Employee/employer issues 3. Patents a. Process to obtain a patent b. Patentable subject matter c. Novelty and non-obviousness requirements d. Infringement and litigation e. Exhaustion of patent rights f. Design patents (as opposed to utility patents) g. Employee/employer issues 4. Copyrights a. Securing protection and registration b. Protectible subject matter c. Ownership and works made for hire d. First sale and fair use doctrines e. Infringement and litigation 5. Trademarks a. Trademark protection/registration under state and federal systems b. Infringement c. Cybersquatting and online issues d. Comparative advertisement and fair use e. Transfer of trademark rights 6. International Aspects of Intellectual Property a. Treaties associated with intellectual property b. National limitations of intellectual property rights
Syllabus