Business of Brands

Catalog description

This course provides an in-depth examination of trademark and unfair competition law. Students will be introduced to the federal Lanham Act and related common law doctrines, such as the right of publicity. We will explore how trademark law aims to protect consumers from confusion in the marketplace, as well as trademark owners from the misappropriation of their commercial goodwill. Special attention will be given to trademark prosecution, with a focus on learning the technical requirements for trademark eligibility, conducting trademark clearances, learning the process of trademark registration, and examining the ways in which trademark owners can enforce their rights. Additionally, we will discuss various theories of trademark infringement and consider the relationship between trademarks and the First Amendment.