Patent Law Courses

3 credits

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.

3 credits

This class is recommended for all students interested in intellectual property and patent law, including students considering practicing in the areas of patent prosecution, litigation, licensing, and technology transactions. A technical background is not required to take this course. This course provides an introduction to the U.S. patent process including the entire life cycle of a patent, as well as a working understanding of the core issues and strategies involved in patent application preparation and prosecution. Basic principles around building and managing a patent portfolio and issues related to patent infringement, licensing, and technology transactions will also be addressed.

3 credits

This course introduces the student to the structure of the patent trial process and the skills used by patent trial lawyers. This is a simulation course. Students will act as trial counsel in a federal civil action. The case will model a hypothetical patent case, from filing of the complaint to trial. The students will simulate motion practice, claim construction, depositions, as well as trial. The course will include some substantive instruction on patent law, but the focus of the course will be on experiential learning. Students will receive instruction on general litigation techniques relevant to presenting complex science and technologies to a judge or fact-finder. For example, students will learn how to utilize technology to facilitate their presentations during oral argument and in examining witnesses (e.g., through use of demonstratives). Students do not need to have a background in science or technology. Similarly, students do not need to have taken prior coursework in patent law. Enrollment will be limited to 12 students, who will be divided into plaintiff and defendant teams. Grades will be individualized and based on the following: participation in class discussion, simulations, and workshops; motion to dismiss argument; claim construction argument; deposition; and trial. PREREQUISITE Evidence (may be a corequisite for 3Ls). RECOMMENDED COURSES: Patent Law, Patent Litigation NOTE: This class counts toward the 6 credit Experiential Learning requirement. GRADING NOTICE: This class does not offer the CR/NC/H option.