Intellectual property law addresses the regulation of knowledge and knowledge-embedded products and services. Creative, scientific, technological, and manufacturing products, services, and processes all fall within the reach of this doctrinal area. Students can take courses in specific disciplines, such as copyright or patent law. They can also develop skills through a trademark clinic that files applications with the US Patent and Trademark Office, a community development and entrepreneurship clinic, and a licensing lab. Despite the common misconception, a background in science or engineering is not necessary to practice intellectual property law. The School also offers a suite of courses related to data privacy, cyberlaw, and other technology-rooted subjects of increasing importance to both modern business and daily life.
Faculty who teach in this area
Foundational courses
- Intellectual Property (3 cr) (not a prerequisite for the other foundational courses)
- Copyright Law (3 cr)
- Patent Law (4 cr)
- Trademark Law (2 cr)
Experiential learning courses in this field1
- IP Licensing Lab (1 cr)
- Trademark Clinic (3 cr)
Capstone courses
- The Business of IP (3 cr)
- Law, Technology and Ethics in the Age of Business Innovation (2 cr)
Specialized courses in or related to the area
- Advertising Law (2 cr)
- Arts Legal Clinic (1 cr)
- Cybercrime and Cyberwar (2 cr)
- CyberLaw and Digital Commerce (3 cr)
- Cybersecurity and Data Breach (2 cr)
- Entertainment Law (3 cr)
- Entrepreneurship Immersion (3 cr)
- Foundations of Privacy Law (3 cr)
- Introduction to Financial Technology (2 cr)
- Law and Business of Art and Cultural Heritage (2 cr)
- Managing Privacy Risks (2 cr)
- Sports Law (2 cr)
Related courses
- Antitrust (3 cr)
- Business Entities (4 cr)
- Mass Media Law & Policy (3 cr)
1As in all areas, students interested in experiential opportunities should consult with the faculty in the Externship Program about placements that align with their interests.
