Foundational Courses

In our modern information economy, the law of intellectual property has taken on enormous importance to both creators and users. This course introduces students to the principles of trade secret, patent, copyright, and trademark law, and explores the ways in which those principles are shifting and adapting in response to new technology. The course is open to all upper level students, without prerequisite. No scientific or technical background is required.

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FALL 2025: LAW JD 857 A1, Sep 2nd to Dec 19th 2025
SPRG 2026: LAW JD 857 B1, Jan 12th to Apr 22nd 2026

The basic questions in patent law are: why should society grant inventors a right to exclude others from using a patented invention Who should be given the right? What is the scope of the right? How should the right be enforced? What disclosure duties should be placed on the patent holder? We will concentrate on these legal issues without getting mired in discussions of the technical details of particular inventions. Students without a technical background are welcome and encouraged to enroll.

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SPRG 2026: LAW JD 870 A1, Jan 12th to Apr 22nd 2026

This course will examine the principles of trademark and unfair competition law. We will investigate issues of ownership, protectability, and infringement in the context of words, symbols, slogans, product design and other forms of trade dress. We will explore the policy reasons for protecting marks and the limiting principles that protect competition, speech, and other interests. The course also will include a brief introduction to false advertising and the state law right of publicity.

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FALL 2025: LAW JD 780 A1, Sep 2nd to Dec 19th 2025