Course Description:
The focus of this program is on European intellectual property law, with some comparative reference to U.S. intellectual property law. Patent law is explored in some depth. However, no expertise or prior background is needed for the course work. The course is designed as an introduction for the generalist as well as those seeking to specialize eventually in intellectual property law. The academic component of the program consists of a single four-week class on European Intellectual property law. Topics to be studied include the European Patent Convention and European Patent Office, the legal structure of the European Union, the Unitary Patent, European Trademark Law (including the Community Trade Mark Directive), European Design Law (including the Community Design Directive), European Copyright and Electronic Commerce Law, European Competition Law, and Geographical Indications of Origin.
Site visits include:
*European Patent Office
*Headquarters of BMW
*A social trip to Schloss Nymphenburg, the main summer palace of the former rulers of Bavaria of the House of Wittelsbach
Students will study the procedures for filing and prosecuting patent applications in the European Patent Office and for perfecting a patent grant into national patents, the relationship between EPO grant procedures and national patenting, and the rights of employed inventors in Germany and elsewhere. Classes generally are held between 9:00am and 1:00pm, Monday – Friday, with some exceptions. A final examination is given at the conclusion of the academic component. All courses and lectures are in English.
For more information about study abroad programs please visit https://law.scu.edu/international/summer-abroad/.