Survey of theoretical and practical aspects of legal issues concerning cyberspace, including First Amendment free speech rights, commerce, computer crime, privacy, political participation, and jurisdiction. Computer background is not a prerequisite. This seminar will focus on the important role that competition law and intellectual property play in modern economies such as those of the United States, Europe and Japan. Specific issues studied will include market definition, innovation markets, licensing and unilateral refusal to license. Both the Microsoft and Intel cases will be studied in depth.
Enrollment is limited.
A study of the legal, economic, and technological forces that stimulate Congress to enact or revise intellectual property laws, the complex legislative steps necessary to enact such laws, and their statutory interpretation after enactment. Topics will include specific examples of past Congressional enactments, pending federal legislation, the need for future action by Congress, and the legislative process generally as it affects intellectual property law. Enrollment is limited. Survey of the theoretical justifications for the institution of property, and consideration of how they apply to patents, copyrights, trademarks, and other forms of intellectual property. Enrollment is limited.