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R. Polk Wagner

Can you really get a patent on a rectangular cell phone shape? Do artists and musicians need over a century of copyright protection for their works? Can you trademark red shoe soles? These are some of the questions that U.S. Congress and the courts have addressed in recent years — and in this IP course, we will, too.

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Can you really get a patent on a rectangular cell phone shape? Do artists and musicians need over a century of copyright protection for their works? Can you trademark red shoe soles? These are some of the questions that U.S. Congress and the courts have addressed in recent years — and in this IP course, we will, too.

Touching on most areas of commercial and artistic activity, intellectual property (IP) law is an essential component of modern society. In this course, Part 1 of a two-part series, learners will be introduced to a broad overview of the intellectual property laws, the theory underpinning this area of law, and an individual look at patent law.

Part 2 will explore copyright, and trademark law, and consider alternatives to IP and the future of this exciting area of the law.

The focus of this two-part series is on learning some of the seminal legal cases in each area, while also considering the policy implications of the law as it stands.

No previous law experience is required. Join us as we explore the laws and policies that influence and shape our modern lives.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Overview and theory of intellectual property law
  • How patent law works
  • Some policy implications of intellectual property

Syllabus

Week 1:A survey of intellectual property law and policy, including patents, copyright, and trademarks.
Week 2:The theories of intellectual property right and the central debates about IP.
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Week 3: What is a patent?An introduction to patents, and the disclosure requirements.
Week 4: What makes a valid patent?The novelty and nonobviousness requirements.
Week 5: What do you get with a Patent?Understanding the scope of patents and the way they are enforced.
Week 6: Exploring tradeoffsThe patentable subject matter requirement and patent policy questions.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Introduces and reviews theory in intellectual property law, which is of great help to practitioners
Explores importance of patent law, which is relevant to technology and business
Develops skills and knowledge relating to the patentable subject matter, a central topic in patent law
Requires no prior experience, which broadens the audience that can benefit from it
Provides various formats for learning, which can accommodate different learning styles

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Reviews summary

Intellectual property law: introduction

According to students, Intellectual Property Law and Policy: Part 1 is a great Introduction to the subject. Learners found the materials Easy to Study and said this course is Informative.
Materials are presented in a clear and understandable way.
"I think this course is so good to learn about your politic and intelectialy things."
"That a good course for me actually for all students law's I think this a easy for me to studying and more educated"
Course materials are valuable and educational.
"You can study and show to you a lot of things in your culture."
"جميل و رائع بريئ فإن دالك مفيظ لنا و للجميع حقا هو"
"شيء رائع يلزمنا الاطلاع عليه من اجل اخد المعلومات و الاستفادة منها"
Course provides a strong foundation for IP law.
"property law is also an important to everylife to know."
"it should be take it very serious about law"
"That a good course for me actually for all students law's I think this a easy for me to studying and more educated"

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 Intellectual Property Law and Policy: Part 1 with these activities:
Review 'Intellectual Property Law in the United States' by Rebecca Tushnet
Review Tushnet's text to gain an overview of intellectual property law in the United States, building a strong foundation for this course's exploration of key topics in the field.
Show steps
  • Read Chapter 1: Introduction
  • Read Chapter 2: The History of Intellectual Property
  • Read Chapter 3: The Goals of Intellectual Property
  • Take notes on key concepts and definitions
  • Summarize the main arguments presented in each chapter
Compile a glossary of key intellectual property law terms
Create a comprehensive glossary of key terms and definitions to clarify your understanding and strengthen your vocabulary in intellectual property law.
Browse courses on Intellectual Property Law
Show steps
  • Review course materials, textbooks, and online resources
  • Identify and define key terms related to patents, copyrights, trademarks, and other areas of intellectual property
  • Organize the terms alphabetically or by category
  • Include clear and concise definitions
  • Review and revise the glossary regularly to ensure accuracy and completeness
Complete practice questions and exercises on intellectual property law concepts
Test your understanding of intellectual property law concepts through regular practice, improving your accuracy and confidence in applying the law.
Browse courses on Intellectual Property Law
Show steps
  • Identify practice questions and exercises from textbooks, online resources, or past exams
  • Attempt to solve the questions and exercises independently
  • Review your answers and identify areas where you need improvement
  • Repeat the process regularly to reinforce your learning
  • Seek clarification from the instructor or peers when needed
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a mind map of intellectual property law concepts
Create a visual representation of the key concepts and relationships in intellectual property law, enhancing your understanding and retention of the material.
Browse courses on Intellectual Property Law
Show steps
  • Identify the main categories of intellectual property (e.g., patents, copyrights, trademarks)
  • Brainstorm the key concepts associated with each category
  • Organize the concepts hierarchically or graphically on a mind map
  • Include connections and relationships between the concepts
  • Review and refine the mind map to ensure clarity and completeness
Participate in online discussion forums on intellectual property law topics
Engage in discussions with peers to exchange perspectives, clarify concepts, and gain a deeper understanding of intellectual property law principles.
Browse courses on Intellectual Property Law
Show steps
  • Identify relevant online discussion forums or groups
  • Join the discussions and actively participate
  • Share your thoughts and insights
  • Respond to questions and comments from others
  • Reflect on the discussions and summarize key takeaways
Develop a research proposal on a contemporary intellectual property law issue
Conduct in-depth research and analysis to explore a current or emerging issue in intellectual property law, deepening your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Browse courses on Intellectual Property Law
Show steps
  • Identify a specific intellectual property law topic of interest
  • Conduct a literature review to gather background information
  • Develop a research question and hypothesis
  • Design a research methodology
  • Write a research proposal outlining your research plan and expected outcomes
Mentor a junior student interested in intellectual property law
Share your knowledge and experience with a junior student, reinforcing your understanding of intellectual property law while supporting their growth in the field.
Browse courses on Intellectual Property Law
Show steps
  • Identify a junior student seeking guidance in intellectual property law
  • Offer your time and expertise as a mentor
  • Provide guidance on coursework, career development, and research opportunities
  • Review their work and provide feedback
  • Attend events and conferences together to foster their professional growth

Career center

Learners who complete Intellectual Property Law and Policy: Part 1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Trademark Attorney
A Trademark Attorney helps inventors and companies secure the exclusive rights to use their trademarks. This includes securing a unique identifier for a brand and taking legal action to defend that trademark. This course will introduce you to the theory of intellectual property, as well as the unique details of trademark law, giving you the foundation you need to succeed in this role.
Intellectual Property Lawyer
An Intellectual Property Lawyer advises clients on how to protect and defend their intellectual property. This includes everything from patents to copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. The course will give you an overview of the entire field of intellectual property law, including patent law, which is at the heart of intellectual property protection. This will give you the strong foundation in the strategies and legal principles needed to advise clients.
Patent Attorney
As a Patent Attorney, you will be responsible for securing and protecting inventors' rights. Whether it is a rectangular cell phone or a new type of shoe, every invention needs the right protection. This course will give you hands-on experience working with patent law, including disclosure requirements, validity, the scope of a patent, and enforcement. The course will help you build the legal expertise you need to assist inventors and business owners in obtaining the exclusive rights needed to capitalize on their inventions.
Copyright Specialist
Copyright is an essential tool for protecting creative works. A Copyright Specialist helps authors, musicians, artists, and other creators secure and defend their rights to their original works. This course will teach you about the legal requirements for copyright protection and how to navigate the complex legal landscape of copyright management.
Patent Agent
Similar to Patent Attorneys, Patent Agents play a vital role in obtaining and protecting patents for new inventions. However, Patent Agents are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. Instead, they provide administrative and technical assistance to inventors and patent attorneys. This course will provide you with the knowledge of patent law and procedure that is required to succeed as a Patent Agent.
IP Policy Analyst
As an IP Policy Analyst, you will work to shape and influence public policy around intellectual property. This can include policy concerning copyright, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. The course will introduce you to the theory of intellectual property rights and policy implications. Having this foundational knowledge will equip you for a successful career in this role.
IP Litigation Paralegal
An IP Litigation Paralegal is an important member of any Intellectual Property Law firm. They provide invaluable support to attorneys by performing legal research, preparing legal documents, and assisting with trial preparation. This course will help you build a strong foundation in intellectual property law, preparing you to work closely with attorneys and clients to resolve copyright, patent, trademark, and other intellectual property disputes.
Inventor
As an Inventor, you are constantly at the forefront of innovation and creativity. To protect and commercialize your inventions, you will need to secure patents and navigate the complex landscape of intellectual property law. This course will provide you with essential knowledge, including the different types of patents, the process of getting a patent, and how to write and enforce a patent. Whether you prefer rectangular cell phones or a more traditional design, this course will be an important step toward developing your career as an inventor.
Patent Examiner
A Patent Examiner is responsible for determining whether inventions meet the requirements for a patent. This includes reviewing and analyzing patent applications to ensure they meet the criteria for novelty, nonobviousness, and usefulness. This course will help you develop a strong foundation in patent law, including the criteria for obtaining a patent and the patent application process. This knowledge will be essential for success in this role.
Technology Transfer Officer
As a Technology Transfer Officer, your role is to facilitate the transfer of new technologies from research institutions to the marketplace. In this role, you will interact with scientists, researchers, and industry professionals. This course will provide you with an overview of IP law and policy, which will be essential for understanding the legal framework within which you will work. The course may also help you connect with professionals in the field.
IP Consultant
An IP Consultant provides advice to businesses on how to protect and manage their intellectual property portfolios. This can include advising on patent strategy, copyright protection, and trademark law. The course will give you an overview of the legal and policy landscape surrounding intellectual property, which will be essential for assisting clients in developing and implementing strategies for maximizing the value of their IP assets.
Copyright Lawyer
Content creators like artists, musicians, and writers rely on copyright law to protect their works. A Copyright Lawyer helps clients protect their work. This course will provide you with an overview of copyright law and its application to your clients' work, equipping you to help them navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding copyright protection.
Brand Manager
As a Brand Manager, you will be responsible for the marketing and development of a product or service. As part of that role, you will need to develop and manage the brand's intellectual property, including its trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. This course will introduce you to the basics of IP law and give you a foundation in the legal issues surrounding brand management.
Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with customers and clients. As part of this role, you will need to be able to identify and assess the IP needs of your clients and develop strategies to meet those needs. This course will give you an overview of intellectual property law and its role in business development.
Journalist
As a Journalist, you will need to be able to research and write about complex legal issues in a clear and concise manner. This course will give you an introduction to the legal and policy landscape surrounding intellectual property, giving you a strong foundation for reporting on IP-related issues.

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Intellectual Property Law and Policy: Part 1.
This casebook provides a comprehensive overview of copyright law, including the history, theory, and current state of the law. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the legal and policy issues surrounding copyright.
This casebook provides a comprehensive overview of trademark law, including the history, theory, and current state of the law. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the legal and policy issues surrounding trademarks.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of intellectual property law, including the history, theory, and current state of the law. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the legal and policy issues surrounding intellectual property.
Explores the impact of the digital economy on intellectual property law. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the legal and policy issues surrounding intellectual property in the digital age.
This handbook provides a practical guide to intellectual property law for business, law, and technology professionals. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the legal and policy issues surrounding intellectual property.
Provides a comprehensive overview of intellectual property law in Brazil. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the legal and policy issues surrounding intellectual property in Brazil.
Provides a comprehensive overview of intellectual property law in South Africa. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the legal and policy issues surrounding intellectual property in South Africa.

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