Intellectual Property: The Business & Law of Technology & Patent Licensing

Catalog description

If you practice in any technology-related area (whether transactions, corporate, IP management or litigation), you will encounter licensing, as it is the principal means by which technology and patent rights are disseminated, exploited and commercialized. It is fundamental to Silicon Valley and beyond, including in software, artificial intelligence, mobile, consumer devices, autonomous cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. This is a practice-oriented course covering the fundamentals of licensing technology and patents, including business considerations, drafting, negotiations and strategic considerations. We will also consider the role of licensing in mergers and acquisitions and litigation. The course is structured based on a real-world hypothetical involving entrepreneurs who spin out university-developed inventions into startup companies and then seek to commercialize the technology and patents to leading companies in a specified technology industry (such as smartphones, autonomous cars, "internet of things" or the like). Elements used in grading: Class Participation, Final Exam. Course Prerequisites: Intro to IP (Law 4005) or Patents (Law 4010) or equivalents, or consent of instructor (e.g., based on substantial prior experience).