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TENG321 Intellectual Property for Entrepreneurs

The major objective of the course is to show the student how to look for ownable property rights in every aspect of one's work. It will start with the first idea and follow it through the lab, to the prototype, to manufacturing. The course then continues the search into sales, packaging and distribution. As the project grows, you will look at protecting new product improvements, business processes, key employees and business relationships. You will focus on turning your ideas into property rights and converting this property into enforceable business assets; trade secrets, patents, designs, copyrights, trademarks and contracts.

Major topics include:

• telling others about one's idea without losing all of its value
• documenting the idea, trade secrets, secrecy agreements
• dealing with former employers, coventurers, investors and suppliers
• protecting one's investment by avoiding the assets of others
• acquiring IP assets-fundamentals of US and foreign trade secret, patent, designs, trademark and copyright laws
• selling, licensing and partnering the project at various stages of development
• enforcing IP with licensing, ADR (alternative dispute resolution) in mediation, arbitration or conciliation
• enforcing through Federal Court litigation.

Offered in the Fall semester.