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R. Polk Wagner

Intellectual property is the currency of the tech world, with the world’s most valuable intellectual property assets dwarfing the value of their real-world counterparts. Apple’ trademarked brand was valued at over $100 billion as of 2017. J.K. Rowling’s Harry potter franchise has generated over $25 billion to date. But how did the law come to create such enormous value in intangible assets?

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Intellectual property is the currency of the tech world, with the world’s most valuable intellectual property assets dwarfing the value of their real-world counterparts. Apple’ trademarked brand was valued at over $100 billion as of 2017. J.K. Rowling’s Harry potter franchise has generated over $25 billion to date. But how did the law come to create such enormous value in intangible assets?

This course will introduce the various types of U.S. intellectual property: patents, which cover inventions and process innovations; copyright, which protects original works of authorship; and trademarks, which protect a business’ commercial identity as the source of valuable goods and services. You will then explore case studies of how global businesses have used intellectual property law to generate enormous value from these intangible assets.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Existing Intellectual Property Protection in the U.S.
This module will introduce the concept of intellectual property and explain how it creates value. You will learn about the major forms of intellectual property protection in the United States - copyright, trademarks, and patents, as well as alternative forms of intellectual property protection.
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Philosophical and Economic Justifications of IP Rights
Why have intellectual property protection at all? This module examines the effect of intellectual property law on the modern economy, and the policy reasons behind providing intellectual property protection.
Alternatives to Intellectual Property Law
Intellectual property law is ever-evolving as society's needs change. This module examines alternative forms of intellectual property protection, and explores the benefits and drawbacks of those alternatives.
Case Studies in Intellectual Property
This module takes an in-depth look at the intellectual property strategies of three major companies across three very different industries: Apple, General Motors, and Novartis.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines the fundamentals of U.S. intellectual property law, providing a strong basis for learners who are new to the topic
Provides practical insights through case studies of major companies across diverse industries, showcasing the real-world impact of intellectual property strategies
Explores the ethical and policy dimensions of intellectual property rights, encouraging learners to critically evaluate its implications
Taught by R. Polk Wagner, an expert in intellectual property law with extensive practical experience
Suitable for learners interested in business, law, or innovation

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Reviews summary

Impressive intellectual property course

According to students, Introduction to Intellectual Property is a largely positive course that offers a deep dive into intellectual property law. Learners say the course is well-organized and easy to follow, featuring engaging lectures from knowledgeable instructors. The course covers a wide range of topics, including copyrights, patents, and trademarks, with a focus on their practical applications. Students particularly value the course's real-life case studies and examples, which help them apply legal concepts to real-world scenarios. Graduates report feeling well-prepared for careers in intellectual property law or related fields.
Concepts are presented in a clear and understandable manner.
"Excellent introductory course which I can fully recommend!"
"The lectures were crisp, to point and informative."
Emphasis on practical applications of intellectual property law.
"Solid course. All topics (and their relationships) were explained clearly. An excellent introduction to IP."
"Three case studies at the end are excellent references and applicable to real world IP strategy work."
Provides a strong foundation in intellectual property law.
"Gives you an excellent base foundation on intellectual property."
"This course has allowed me to complete and integrate ideas, concepts, experiences on intellectual property."
Professor Wagner is exceptional at explaining complex concepts.
"Polk Wagner makes an exceptional job at explaining the concepts."
"The instructor was excellent, the readings were relevant and directly related to the subject of the lectures, and the exercises were practical and to the point. In short, this was a great course."
Peer review of assignments can be inconsistent.
"The peer review is not effective - we have to wait for a long time to get that."
"The peer reviewed final exam was a damn joke."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Intellectual Property with these activities:
Read a summary of trademark law
It activates prior knowledge and lays a foundational understanding of trademarks, making it easier to absorb new information during the course.
Browse courses on Trademark Law
Show steps
  • Identify a reputable source for a summary of trademark law.
  • Read the summary carefully, taking notes on important concepts.
  • Summarize the main points of the summary in your own words.
Follow a tutorial on the basics of copyright law
It provides a structured and interactive way to learn about copyright law, ensuring a solid understanding of its fundamental principles.
Show steps
  • Search for a reputable tutorial or online course that covers the basics of copyright law.
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Complete any quizzes or exercises included in the tutorial to test your understanding.
Practice identifying different types of intellectual property
It reinforces the understanding of different types of intellectual property and improves the ability to distinguish between them, which is crucial for effective intellectual property management.
Show steps
  • Find a set of practice questions or exercises that focus on identifying different types of intellectual property.
  • Go through the questions or exercises, carefully analyzing each example.
  • Identify the type of intellectual property in each case, providing a brief explanation for your answer.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a mind map or diagram of the intellectual property protection system in the US
It encourages active engagement with the course material, enhances understanding of the interconnections between different aspects of intellectual property law, and improves retention.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm the main components of the intellectual property protection system in the US, including different types of intellectual property, the entities involved, and the legal framework.
  • Organize your ideas into a mind map or diagram, using clear labels and connections.
  • Add details and examples to support your main points.
Read 'Intellectual Property Law' by R. Polk Wagner
It provides a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of intellectual property law, supplementing the course material and enriching your knowledge.
View Patent Law on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Intellectual Property Law' by R. Polk Wagner.
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and highlighting important passages.
  • Summarize the main arguments and theories presented in the book.
Attend a workshop on intellectual property strategy
It offers practical insights and real-world examples, enabling you to apply your knowledge to real-life scenarios and develop effective intellectual property strategies.
Show steps
  • Find an upcoming workshop on intellectual property strategy that aligns with your interests.
  • Register for the workshop and attend the sessions.
  • Take notes, ask questions, and actively participate in discussions.
Contribute to an open-source project related to intellectual property law
It allows you to apply your knowledge in a practical setting, collaborate with others in the field, and gain valuable experience in open-source development.
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source project related to intellectual property law that interests you.
  • Familiarize yourself with the project's codebase and documentation.
  • Identify an area where you can contribute, such as fixing bugs, adding features, or improving documentation.
  • Make your contributions to the project, following the project's guidelines.
Develop a prototype of a software tool that automates tasks related to intellectual property management
It challenges you to apply your knowledge and skills to solve a real-world problem, fostering innovation and problem-solving abilities.
Show steps
  • Define the scope and objectives of your software tool.
  • Design the architecture and user interface of your tool.
  • Develop the core functionality of your tool.
  • Test your tool thoroughly to ensure its accuracy and efficiency.
  • Deploy your tool and gather feedback from users.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Intellectual Property will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Intellectual Property Lawyer
An Intellectual Property Lawyer would benefit from this course's detailed overview of intellectual property law in the United States. It thoroughly examines the protection provided by patents, copyrights, and trademarks, which are the cornerstones of intellectual property law. By exploring case studies of global businesses, the course also provides practical insights into how companies leverage intellectual property strategies to generate value. This knowledge would be highly valuable for an Intellectual Property Lawyer seeking to stay current with the evolving landscape of intellectual property protection and its implications on business.
Patent Attorney
A Patent Attorney focuses on drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications to protect inventions and innovations. This course provides a solid foundation in patent law, including the requirements for obtaining a patent and the legal framework surrounding patent infringement. The syllabus covers topics such as patent eligibility, novelty, non-obviousness, and the role of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the patent system through this course, a Patent Attorney can enhance their ability to effectively represent clients and navigate the complexities of patent law.
Trademark Attorney
A Trademark Attorney specializes in protecting and enforcing trademarks, which are essential for establishing brand identity and preventing infringement. This course provides a comprehensive overview of trademark law, including the requirements for trademark registration, the rights granted by trademarks, and the remedies available for trademark infringement. By delving into case studies of global businesses, the course also offers insights into how companies strategically use trademarks to build and protect their brands. This knowledge would be highly valuable for a Trademark Attorney seeking to effectively counsel clients on trademark matters and safeguard their intellectual property rights.
Copyright Attorney
A Copyright Attorney focuses on protecting and enforcing copyrights, which are crucial for safeguarding original works of authorship. This course provides a thorough examination of copyright law, including the requirements for copyright protection, the rights granted by copyrights, and the remedies available for copyright infringement. By exploring case studies of global businesses, the course also offers insights into how companies leverage copyright protection to monetize their creative works and defend against infringement. This knowledge would be highly valuable for a Copyright Attorney seeking to effectively represent clients on copyright matters and protect their intellectual property rights.
Intellectual Property Paralegal
An Intellectual Property Paralegal provides support to attorneys specializing in intellectual property law. This course offers a comprehensive overview of intellectual property law and its various forms, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks. By gaining a solid understanding of the legal framework and procedures surrounding intellectual property protection, an Intellectual Property Paralegal can effectively assist attorneys in drafting legal documents, conducting research, and managing intellectual property portfolios.
Patent Agent
A Patent Agent specializes in preparing and prosecuting patent applications before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This course provides a strong foundation in patent law and the patent application process. By gaining a thorough understanding of the requirements for patentability, the role of the USPTO, and the strategies for obtaining a patent, a Patent Agent can effectively assist inventors in protecting their intellectual property rights.
Trademark Paralegal
A Trademark Paralegal provides support to attorneys specializing in trademark law. This course offers a comprehensive overview of trademark law and its procedures, including the requirements for trademark registration, the rights granted by trademarks, and the remedies available for trademark infringement. By gaining a solid understanding of the legal framework and procedures surrounding trademark protection, a Trademark Paralegal can effectively assist attorneys in drafting legal documents, conducting research, and managing trademark portfolios.
Copyright Paralegal
A Copyright Paralegal provides support to attorneys specializing in copyright law. This course offers a comprehensive overview of copyright law and its procedures, including the requirements for copyright protection, the rights granted by copyrights, and the remedies available for copyright infringement. By gaining a solid understanding of the legal framework and procedures surrounding copyright protection, a Copyright Paralegal can effectively assist attorneys in drafting legal documents, conducting research, and managing copyright portfolios.
Intellectual Property Manager
An Intellectual Property Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to protect and commercialize intellectual property assets. This course provides a comprehensive overview of intellectual property law and its various forms, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks. By gaining a deep understanding of the legal framework and best practices for managing intellectual property, an Intellectual Property Manager can effectively identify, protect, and maximize the value of intellectual assets within an organization.
Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying and pursuing new business opportunities. This course may provide insights into the role of intellectual property in driving business growth and innovation. By understanding how patents, copyrights, and trademarks can protect and enhance the value of products and services, a Business Development Manager can effectively position their company in the marketplace and negotiate favorable terms with potential partners.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. This course may provide insights into the role of intellectual property in building and protecting brand identity. By understanding how patents, copyrights, and trademarks can be used to differentiate products and services, a Marketing Manager can develop more effective marketing strategies and protect their company's intellectual property assets.
Product Manager
A Product Manager is responsible for managing the development and launch of new products and services. This course may provide insights into the role of intellectual property in protecting and commercializing new products. By understanding how patents, copyrights, and trademarks can be used to secure exclusive rights to new technologies and innovations, a Product Manager can effectively bring new products to market and defend against competitive threats.
Technology Transfer Manager
A Technology Transfer Manager is responsible for facilitating the transfer of technology and intellectual property between organizations. This course may provide insights into the legal and business aspects of technology transfer. By understanding how patents, copyrights, and trademarks can be used to protect and commercialize new technologies, a Technology Transfer Manager can effectively negotiate and manage technology transfer agreements.
Professor of Intellectual Property Law
A Professor of Intellectual Property Law is responsible for teaching and conducting research in the field of intellectual property law. This course would provide a strong foundation for an aspiring Professor of Intellectual Property Law by offering a comprehensive overview of intellectual property law and its various forms. By gaining a deep understanding of the legal framework and theoretical underpinnings of intellectual property law, an aspiring Professor of Intellectual Property Law can effectively prepare for a career in academia and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this field.
Librarian specializing in Intellectual Property
A Librarian specializing in Intellectual Property is responsible for managing and providing access to intellectual property resources. This course would provide a strong foundation for an aspiring Librarian specializing in Intellectual Property by offering a comprehensive overview of intellectual property law and its various forms. By gaining a deep understanding of the legal framework and practical aspects of intellectual property management, an aspiring Librarian specializing in Intellectual Property can effectively organize and provide access to intellectual property resources within an organization or institution.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Intellectual Property.
This comprehensive casebook provides a thorough examination of intellectual property law, with a focus on the major forms of IP protection, including patents, copyright, trademarks, and trade secrets.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the economic foundations of intellectual property law, making it a valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
This practical guide provides a comprehensive overview of patent law, making it a valuable resource for scientists and engineers.
Provides insights into how companies can avoid the innovator's dilemma, a situation in which they fail to adopt new technologies that could threaten their existing business.

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