Real World Intellectual Property Protection

New, Spring 2020!

Intellectual Property Attorney, Rhys Lawson, Ph.D.

This course provides a broad overview of intellectual property (IP) law, with an emphasis on real-world context and entrepreneurship.  The goal is to introduce students to this subject that permeates our world and provide them with the tools to understand and utilize intellectual property as they proceed into their careers.  The course introduces the fundamental types of intellectual property:  patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.  Agreements related to intellectual property, such as licensing, confidentiality, and non-compete agreements will also be covered.  These agreements are often the first interactions students will have with intellectual property during their careers.  The course includes subject matter relevant to particular groups of students who may attend the class.  For example, protection of product designs will be of interest to Industrial Design students; protection of music and art will be of interest to creators; scientists and engineers will learn about utility patents; and intellectual property issues related to software/apps/video games are a fascinating nexus of all types of intellectual property. 

Rhys Lawson

Dr. Rhys Lawson, a member at COJK, focuses his practice on creating patent portfolios to obtain integrated worldwide protection for his clients’ inventions. Rhys works with a variety of clients, ranging in size from independent inventors and early-stage entrepreneurs to multinational corporations, universities and non-governmental organizations. Learn more about Dr. Lawson. 

This class is cross listed as: 

ENTR 398 (1 credit, S/U)

GRAD 597 (1 credit S/U)

Open to all Western students at both the Graduate and Undergraduate level as well as community members. 

A new course, offered for one time only this Spring by Dr. Rhys Lawson, the attorney who oversees all patent, copyright, and other intellectual property matters for Western.

Spring Quarter 2020

Course meets 3 times only:

April 17, 24, and May 1

2:00 – 5:30 pm Parks Hall 108