LAW 919LEC - IP Litigation

This one-credit course will involve case studies of actual litigated matters including copyright infringement actions over the films Backdraft and Shakespeare in Love, as well as an alleged sampling case involving Ice Cube’s song “Gangstas Make the World Go Round.” Students will review actual pleadings, expert reports and other evidentiary material presented in these cases and will engage in a hands-on analysis and comparison of allegedly infringing works of art, films and music. The course will also explore the use of expert witnesses, the benefits and pitfalls of seeking preliminary injunctions and the evidentiary challenges of proving damages and lost profits. There will be a review of the fundamental concepts of patent, trademark and copyright infringement cases, as well as a brief overview of unfair competition and trade secret misappropriation claims. Students will be expected to learn to distinguish between these broad areas of intellectual property law so as to be able to recognize and analyze potential infringement cases.

Credits: 1