This is a practical course that focuses on the content of intellectual property license agreements and the purpose each provision serves in the agreements. The main goal is to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to enable you to draft, negotiate and constructively comment on intellectual property license agreements. Throughout the semester, the course is structured to reiterate the importance of understanding client and counter-party interests (businesses and government entities) and leveraging this understanding into drafting and negotiating skill sets. Notably, you will have the opportunity to "stand in the shoes" of both licensee and licensor so that upon completion of the course, you will not only be better prepared for either role, but will be able to anticipate the actions of counterparties.

When working on the practical exercises that will be a part of the course, you will be provided with contemporary contextual situations impacting the interests of the parties involved in an intellectual property license agreement, and will also be exposed to the ever-changing landscape of licensing by periodically finding and presenting on current events in the licensing world. These events will in turn be integrated into the practical exercises - just as if you were a licensing attorney or similar professional. These exercises will also highlight the importance of licensing in the intellectual property arena as they are the vehicle that allows businesses, government entities, and individuals to use and often profit from, the work that IP colleagues have done to protect intellectual property.

The class time will be devoted to important concepts and ideas introduced through discussion of actual agreements. The significant interplay among drafting and negotiating will constantly be highlighted through in-class exercises, designed to enhance your learning experience through group discussion and negotiating exercises. The course is appropriate for both students who plan to enter intellectual property law practice and students who anticipate a career in other legal fields such as business law. A technical proficiency in science or engineering is neither required nor favored.

This course will be offered as a three-credit exam course only.

P: Intellectual Property Law Survey