LEGAL 247 - Intellectual Property

3.0 Credits
An overview of the intellectual property (IP) laws that help protect and facilitate the commercialization of human innovation, such as creative works, inventions, and proprietary and/or competitive business information. Topics include patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and other current and potential IP issues facing society and business. Completion of or concurrent enrollment in LEGAL 200 is recommended but not required.
Course-level Learning Objectives (CLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Understand the normative justifications for legal protections of intangible rights for products of the human mind.
Describe how the law balances interests and protects investments while taking into account public welfare and technological developments.
Identify and assess ownership rights and marketing protections under IP law as applicable to information, ideas, new products, and product marketing.
Describe the legal and practical requirements for acquiring IP rights and the steps needed for such rights to remain valid and enforceable.
Prepare the appropriate forms and other materials used in the protection of IP rights, and describe the legal claims and defenses available in IP litigation.
Understand current and emerging IP protection issues, including those relating to indigenous knowledge or culture, information technology and the distribution of material on the internet, biotechnology, and international trade.
Apply the principles of legal ethics as they relate to paralegals and other legal professionals working in the area of IP law.

Course Typically Offered
Winter