Apart from their assigned mod courses, 1L students may only enroll in courses offered as 1L electives. A complete list of these courses can be found on the 1L Elective Listings page. 1L students must use the 1L class number listed on the course description when enrolling.
275.2 sec. 001 - Video Game Law (Spring 2024)
Instructor: Joseph Lee Schenck
Instructor: Jennifer Stanley
View all teaching evaluations for this course - degree students only
Units: 1
Grading Designation: Credit Only
Mode of Instruction: In-Person
Meeting:
W 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Location: Law 105
From January 10, 2024
To February 21, 2024
Course End: February 21, 2024
Class Number: 33281
Enrollment info:
Enrolled: 40
Waitlisted: 0
Enroll Limit: 54
As of: 04/27 10:26 PM
More than half of all Americans play video games -- whether through a browser, mobile device or game console -- and spending on interactive content now rivals that for streaming, movies and music. Video games are great fun and big business, but what are the legal implications?
- How has copyright law evolved in an era when a hit iPhone game can spawn a lookalike competitor within months?
- Should trademark law prevent a developer from featuring real-world locations in their game?
- As games become stunningly realistic, when does a depiction of a college quarterback or rock star violate their right of publicity?
- Does limiting a minor's access to violent video games infringe their First Amendment rights?
We will answer these questions and more as we explore the legal issues surrounding how video games are developed, distributed and consumed. After learning the relevant law, we will assume the mantle of in-house counsel and conduct a mock developer-publisher negotiation and at least one other in-class exercise. Throughout the semester we may be joined by guests from the industry who will share their perspectives on how legal issues translate into actual practice. The class ends with a take-home final exam.
Attendance at the first class is mandatory for all currently enrolled and waitlisted students; any currently enrolled or waitlisted students who are not present on the first day of class (without prior permission of the instructor) will be dropped. The instructor will continue to take attendance throughout the add/drop period and anyone who moves off the waitlist into the class must continue to attend or have prior permission of the instructor in order not to be dropped.
Prerequisites:
Copyright Law or Trademark Law are strongly recommended.
Exam Notes: (TH) Take-home examination
Exam Length: 4 hours
Course Category: Intellectual Property and Technology Law
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