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.
294.51 sec. 001 - Video Game Law (Spring 2026)
Instructor: Joseph Lee Schenck (view instructor's teaching evaluations - degree students only)
Instructor: Jennifer Stanley (view instructor's teaching evaluations - degree students only)
View all teaching evaluations for this course - degree students only
Units: 1
Grading Designation: Credit Only
Mode of Instruction: In-Person
Meeting:
W 3:35 PM - 5:25 PM
Location: Law 140
From January 14, 2026
To February 25, 2026
Course End: February 25, 2026
Class Number: 33542
Enrollment info:
Enrolled: 25
Waitlisted: 0
Enroll Limit: 60
As of: 02/19 02:21 AM
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?
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. The class will include in-class polling and in-class exercises.
While a foundational intellectual property course is not required to take our class, a basic understanding of copyright law and trademark law will be helpful for the class.
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.
Submit teaching evaluations for this course between 25-FEB-26 and 02-MAR-26
Exam Notes: (TH) Take-home Final Exam
(Subject to change by faculty member only through the first two weeks of instruction)
Exam Length: 4 hours
Course Category: Intellectual Property and Technology Law
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