course description

     This course addresses selected areas of copyright law in which the Internet and new communications technologies (e.g., social media, cloud computing, smart devices, and artificial intelligence) have posed challenges to traditional legal doctrines and practices. It also explores the various legal, technological, and business solutions that seek to accommodate the needs and interests of copyright holders, technology developers, and Internet users.

     Each student is required to make a presentation to the seminar and write a research paper on a topic approved by the instructor. The research paper must constitute original research and be of a minimum of 5,000 words, exclusive of footnotes. If the paper is to be used to satisfy the Rigorous Writing Requirement, the paper must constitute original research and be of a minimum of 6,500 words, exclusive of footnotes.

Prerequisite

     One year of law school in the full-time or part-time program.

Course Materials
 
     1. Julie E. Cohen et al., Copyright in a Global Information Economy 5th ed. 2020) (Note: If you have not taken Copyright Law and do not plan to do so in future semesters, please talk to Prof. Yu before purchasing this casebook. You may be able to get the selected cases from Lexis-Nexis or Westlaw.)

     2. U.S. Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. (available for download here)

     The Case and Statutory Supplement is not required.  You are strongly encouraged to pay attention to current copyright law developments, as we will discuss them in class.

Learning Outcomes

     1. Students will acquire an understanding of the application of copyright law principles and policies to the digital environment.

     2. Students will have the ability to discuss and analyze technological issues that arise in daily activities, including those conducted online or via social media.

     3. Students will be equipped with skills to anticipate opportunities and challenges brought about by new technologies.

     4. Students will develop greater awareness and appreciation of the interrelationship between law, technology, and society—at the domestic, international, and global levels.