Revised 07/2011
LGL 234 - Intellectual Property Law - (3 CR.)
Course Description
Presents outline of federal copyright and federal and state trademark law. Examines the functions of legal assistants in preparing registrations as well as infringement litigation. Covers related areas of law including trade secrecy and differences between various types of intellectual property. Examines the basics of patent law. Lecture 3 hours per week.
General Course Purpose
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the law governing intellectual property and to familiarize students with the terms and procedures typically used in an intellectual property law practice. Course Prerequisites/Co-requisites Although there are no prerequisites for this course, proficiency at the high school level in spoken and written English is recommended for its successful completion. Intro to Law (LGL 110) is a co-requisite for students who are program placed in paralegal studies.
Course Prerequisites/Corequisites
None.
Course Objectives
- Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: Understand the differences between trademarks, copyrights, and patents; Prepare various documents used in copyright practice including licenses, security agreements, and client letters; Locate a patent using the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website; Prepare documents relating to patents; Search for and obtain information from the USPTO website about patent applications and processes; Conduct searches to determine the existence of trademarks; and Track and monitor the process of a trademark application using the USPTO website.
Major Topics to Be Included
- Principles of copyrights
- Copyright ownership and disputes
- Trade secrets
- Selection, evaluation, and registration of trademarks
- Patent rights and limitations
- Patent applications and disputes