This is an introductory course. The material will be relevant for students who plan to practice business law (particularly in any technology related area) or general litigation, as well as for those who intend to practice IP law. We will cover patentable subject matter, utility, novelty, nonobviousness, doctrines related to section 112 of the patent code, infringement and remedies. Trade secret law will also be introduced. This course primarily covers substantive law, with only a minor focus on procedural issues. This is not a course in patent prosecution.

Comparative law issues will be raised throughout the course; however, only U.S. doctrine and cases will be studied.