Design Law LAW 294

Description

Design is an essential feature of nearly every product and online service. Product manufacturers are investing record amounts to capture eye appeal. In the age of online-market places, where consumers can't touch and feel a product, the appearance of a product is often pivotal in the consumer's purchasing decision. Increasingly, the aesthetic appearance of products is a leading driver of sales. All of this interest begs the question: How are product appearances protected and enforced under existing intellectual property laws? This class studies the various intellectual rights used to protect "design." Primary attention will be given to design patents under U.S. law. Time permitting, the course may also compare the approaches to protecting design under trade dress, copyright law, and the European Union design right. No prior IP course or knowledge is required or expected to enroll in the course. (added 11/17; revised 11/18)

Schedule