Patents

Patent law enables innovators to protect new technologies ranging from pharmaceuticals to software, and it can also impede firms whose work builds on others’ (sometimes invalid) patent rights. Understanding patent law and its reach is thus important for grasping many aspects of the modern economy, including venture capital, corporate deals, international trade, and pressing debates on topics such as pharmaceutical pricing and access. This course provides a thorough grounding in patent doctrine (including patentability, infringement, and remedies), training in elements of patent practice, discussion of international and comparative patent issues, and tools for conducting further research. We will also emphasize policy analysis of the patent system, including the effect of patent doctrine on innovation and inequality. The course is designed to be useful both for non-patent-specialists and for those planning a career in the field. No technical expertise is necessary whatsoever, and students from all backgrounds are encouraged to enroll.