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.
278.31 sec. 001 - Copyright Law (Spring 2026)
Instructor: Pamela Samuelson (view instructor's teaching evaluations - degree students only | profile)
View all teaching evaluations for this course - degree students only
Units: 3
Grading Designation: Graded
Mode of Instruction: In-Person
Meeting:
TuTh 11:20 AM - 12:35 PM
Location: Law 132
From January 13, 2026
To April 23, 2026
Course End: April 23, 2026
Class Number: 33467
Enrollment info:
Enrolled: 67
Waitlisted: 0
Enroll Limit: 81
As of: 01/10 11:52 PM
This course will focus on the principal features of U.S. copyright law: what is (and is not) copyrightable subject matter, its originality and fixation requirements, ownership and transfer of rights issues, in-depth analysis of the exclusive rights, the scope of protection that copyright law affords to works of authorship, limiting principles, exceptions, and defenses to infringement, standards for judging direct and indirect infringement, and remedies available in copyright lawsuits. Both statutory and common law developments will be considered, as well as neighboring rights such as anti-circumvention rules. Current controversies about the contours of and theoretical underpinnings of copyright and the public domain will be discussed. Comparative copyright law and international treaties affecting copyright law will also be given some attention. Students need not have an IP background to take this course, but it may be helpful.
Exam Notes: (F) In-class Final Exam
(Subject to change by faculty member only through the first two weeks of instruction)
Exam Length: 3.5 hours
Course Category: Intellectual Property and Technology Law
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