LAW 395P - Patent Law Practicum.

The course will have three facets. First, in the “patent fundamentals” facet, we will explore the theory and practice of patent law. Early discussions will focus on patentability, including the particulars of disclosing and claiming the invention, patent eligibility, statutory bars, and prior art hurdles. We will then turn to patent litigation. Here we will examine patent enforcement with specific consideration of claim interpretation, infringement, defenses to infringement, and remedies. Second, in the “practical” facet, we will explore the strategy and pretrial preparation of a patent lawsuit. Here we will work with materials typical to a patent lawsuit: a patent, file history, prior art, and information regarding the accused product. Specific activities will include firm-like strategy conferences, document review and preparation, and arguing claim construction and motions for summary judgment. Third, interspersed throughout the term will be firm-like “hot topic” sessions, where we will discuss hypothetical problems which simulate the practical issues faced by practitioners in the field. Teams of students will prepare and lead a significant number of class discussions for each of the three facets. A science or engineering background is not required.Five hours.SeymorePrerequisites: None.