Intellectual Property Antitrust

This course will focus on the interplay between the antitrust laws and laws protecting intellectual property such as inventions, works of authorship and trademarks. Although both sets of laws are ultimately intended to make our economy more innovative and productive, their distinct ways of accomplishing that objective often seem to put them at odds with each other and courts are routinely called upon to resolve those conflicts. In the process of looking at these conflicts and their resolution, the course will provide an understanding of basic antitrust principles that may be sufficient for students not intending to concentrate in that area.

No previous exposure to antitrust is expected or required. It is recommended that students have taken at least one intellectual property course, or be concurrently enrolled in one.