International IP Law

International IP Law

It is common today to hear that we live in a “global information society.” Information and cultural objects -” books, movies, music, software, data, genetic sequences, brands, medical technologies, etc.”- are increasingly important to the global economy, and increasingly manipulable and mobile. They are also increasingly important to the fate of individuals and groups around the world, whether with regard to access to medicines and educational materials, or opportunities to participate in education, culture, and governance. International intellectual property [IP] law has expanded substantially over the past few decades, and today seeks broadly to regulate transnational flows of information and culture. It has become accordingly more important to businesses and individuals alike, and more contested. This topic analyzes the international IP regime, situating it within the dynamics of globalizing flows of information and cultural objects. It provides an overview of the law, principles, and politics of this area of law, and will use topics to illuminate the interaction between the three. Subjects covered include patent law and related rights; traditional knowledge and genetic resources; trademark; and copyright and related rights. topics will include considerations of access to medicines, the transnational implications of the Google Books Settlement, moral rights in Europe, and “piracy” in China. Some attention will also be given to jurisdictional and choice of law questions, as well as regional IP agreements. topic requirements include a short research memo, topic participation, and a take-home final.