This course provides an in-depth examination of U.S. patent law, covering the statutory framework, judicial doctrines, and policy rationale that underlie the protection of inventions. Students will analyze the core requirements for patentability, the patent prosecution process, scope of claims, enforcement, and defenses. The course also explores how patent law intersects with emerging technologies, global commerce, and public interest concerns.
Using real-world examples and recent case law, students will gain practical insight into how patents are obtained, asserted, challenged, and monetized. This course is essential for anyone pursuing a career in intellectual property law, technology transactions, innovation management, or litigation involving technical subject matter.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
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Understand the purpose, structure, and constitutional foundation of U.S. patent law.
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Evaluate whether an invention meets the legal standards of novelty, nonobviousness, and utility.
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Analyze claim construction, infringement, and the scope of patent rights.
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Navigate the U.S. patent application and examination process.
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Understand enforcement mechanisms, defenses, and post-grant proceedings.
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Explore ethical and economic issues in patent law and innovation policy.
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Recognize the impact of patents in pharmaceuticals, software, biotech, and AI.
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Compare U.S. patent law with international frameworks, including the PCT and European systems.
