Syllabus

All dates are subject to change and shuffling, but this is the general plan.

    I. Purposes of Copyright Law & Contextual Backdrop

  1. August 21 – Introduction to the course.
  2. August 21 – Copyright in Context: Chapter 1, pp. 3-42 (focus on 5-33, skim 33-42)

    3. II. Elements of Copyrightable Matter?

  3. August 23 – Fixation; Originality; Chapter 2, pp. 45-72
  4. August 28 – The Idea/Expression Dichotomy: Chapter 2, pp. 72-90
  5. August 28 – Writing Assignment due by noon.
  6. August 30 – Derivative Works and Compilations: Chapter 2, pp. 90-110
    also read Don Post Studios v. Cinema Secrets, Inc. 124 F.Supp.2d 311 (E.D. Pa. 2000)

    7. III. Authorship

  7. September 4 – Who Is an Author? Chapter 2, pp. 110-138 (Make sure you understand “work for hire” doctrine.)

    8. IV. Acquisition, Maintenance & Transfer

    September 6 - Formalities; Duration: Chapter 3, pp. 139-147, 153-169

    September 11 – Renewals and Terminations of Transfers: Chapter 3, pp. 169-182

    September 13 – Mechanics of Transfers: Chapter 3, pp. 182-207

    Syllabus Adjustment

  8. September 11 – Who Is an Author? Chapter 2, pp. 110-138 (Make sure you understand “work for hire” doctrine.)

    9. IV. Acquisition, Maintenance & Transfer

  9. September 13 - Formalities; Duration: Chapter 3, pp. 139-147, 153-169 – and – Renewals and Terminations of Transfers: Chapter 3, pp. 169-182, Optional Read Lawrence Lessig, How I Lost the Big One

    10. V. Protected Works and Boundaries

  10. September 18 – Mechanics of Transfers: Chapter 3, pp. 182-207 – and – Protected Works; Useful Articles with PGS Aspects: Chapter 4, pp. 209-235

    11. End Adjustments

  11. September 20 – Computer Software: Chapter 4, pp. 235-269
  12. September 25 – Characters; Databases: Chapter 4, pp. 280-310

    13. VI. The Rights of Copyright Owners

  13. September 27 – The Elements of Infringement; The Substantially Similar Copy (Classic Cases): Chapter 5, pp. 313-336
  14. October 2 – The Substantially Similar Copy (Contemporary Cases): Chapter 5, pp. 336-359
  15. October 4 – The Exact Copy; The Distribution Right: Chapter 5, pp. 359-384
  16. October 9 – The Right to Prepare Derivative Works: Chapter 5, pp. 359-384
  17. October 11 – Moral Rights: Chapter 5, pp. 408-426
  18. October 16 – The Public Performance and Public Display Rights: Chapter 5, pp. 426-443
  19. October 18 – Copyright and the Music Industry: Chapter 5, pp. 443-472
  20. October 23 – The Different Faces of Infringement: Chapter 6, pp 473-501
  21. October 25 – The Different Faces of Infringement (cont’d): Chapter 6, pp. 501-523

    22. VII. Fair Use

  22. October 30 – Fair Use in Comparative Perspective; Cultural Interchange: Chapter 7, pp. 525-561
  23. November 1 – Fair Use: Technical Interchange: Chapter 7, pp. 561-575
  24. November 6 – Fair Use: Market Failure or Productive Consumption? Chapter 7, pp. 576-602

    25. VIII. Technology

  25. November 8 – Technological Protections: Chapter 8, pp. 603-627, 640-644

    26. IX. State Laws & Theoretical Issues (We may cover this earlier and use these classes for expansion on topics of particular interest to the class).

  26. November 13 – Preemption Overview; Express Preemption: Chapter 9, pp. 649-676
  27. November 15 – Misappropriation; Contracts; The Misuse Alternative: Chapter 9, pp. 689-697, 699-732