LAW 891LEC - Copyright

Do you watch movies? Listen to music? Use computer software? If so (and it would be strange if you didn’t), then you necessarily interact with copyright law. But most of us probably don’t realize what the rules governing copyrightable subject matter really are and where the rights of authors end and non-authors begin. The goal of this course is to introduce students to the basics of US copyright law. Along the way, because the ability to “copy” often depends on the kinds of devices available to users, we will examine issues in the specific context of new technologies. Topics to be covered include copyrightable subject matter, copyright ownership, the scope of copyright protection, the nature of the copyright infringement inquiry, and fair use and other defenses. No prior experience with intellectual property law is required. Grades will be based on a final examination and class participation.

Credits: 3