Copyright Law

SLN #: 26500
Course Prefix: LAW-646
Course Section: 001
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor(s): Kappes
Course Books: View List of Books

Course Description:
This course provides a detailed introduction to the law of copyright. It emphasizes the basics of traditional copyright protection for art, music, and literature and but also considers the application of those basic principles in an age of digital technology (music sharing รก la Grokster, internet hyperlinking, protection of computer programs and user interfaces, and similar current issues). Copyright law is now important well beyond the entertainment industry, although many of the decisions we study derive from that genre. (Humphrey Bogart, Cole Porter, George Harrison, J.D. Salinger, Superman, Mickey Mouse, and many other luminaries make cameo appearances in our cases.) Copyright (and copyright-like protection schemes) have become an increasingly important element of a general law practice as a result of the explosive growth in economic value of information-based products, like computer software and digital networks and databases. The lawyer ignorant of basic copyright principles will be increasingly handicapped in many areas of practice, such as negotiating technology transfers, drafting contractual rights, developing schemes of protection and privacy, distinguishing criminal from noncriminal behavior, and in litigation. But more important than all that, the cases and materials are lots of fun!

Additional Information:
Credit Hours: 3
Grading Option: Letter Grade Only
Graduation Writing Requirement: No
Flexible/Upper-Level Writing Requirement: No
Skills Requirement: No
Simulation Course: No
Experiential Learning: No
Seminar: No
Special Withdrawal Course: No
Final Exam Given: Yes
Final Exam Type: In-Class - Completely Secure
Participation Points: Participation points may be given
Attendance Policy: Per Statement Of Student Policies
Additional Attendance Policy: Attendance is expected

* The law school has a policy that is used to calculate credit hours. Please see the Statement of Student Policies.