Patent Law

This course is part of the Intellectual Property Law Specialization

4.8
stars
159 ratings

R. Polk Wagner

5,524 already enrolled

Offered By

Intellectual Property Law SpecializationUniversity of Pennsylvania

About this Course

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In our modern technologically-based economy, the creation and enforcement of patent rights can make or break a business. With record numbers of patents being issued every year, the stakes for inventors (and, indeed, their lawyers) continue to rise, even as the patent law and its administration faces growing criticism. 
This course begins with an examination of the fundamental justifications for and creation of U.S. patent rights as well as the relationship between patent law and other “intellectual property” concepts. We will then delve into the details of the U.S. requirements for patentability, and explore the scope of patent rights, again considering how the policies expressed reflect the justifications for patent rights. Then we will look at an actual patent document and analyze the different pieces of an issued patent with a special focus on the importance of patent claims. Finally, we will explore strategies for dealing with patent infringement.

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Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Course 4 of 4 in the

Intellectual Property Law Specialization

Approx. 10 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

What you will learn

Explain the scope and limits of patent protection

Analyze and apply the standards of patentability to navigate the requirements of patent law.

Interpret the importance and significance of specific patent claims presented in an issued patent

Develop strategies for addressing patent infringement

Skills you will gain

InnovationBusiness StrategyReading a PatentCompetition

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 4 of 4 in the

Intellectual Property Law Specialization

Approx. 10 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.66/5 (17 Ratings)

R. Polk Wagner

Offered by

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania (commonly referred to as Penn) is a private university, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. A member of the Ivy League, Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, and considers itself to be the first university in the United States with both undergraduate and graduate studies.

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week

Week 1

3 hours to complete

What is Patent Law?

This module introduces patent law - what patents are, what they cover, how they are enforced, and the structure of the U.S. patent system.

3 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 45 min), 4 readings, 3 quizzes

7 videos

What is a Patent?3m

The Importance of Patent Claims7m

Understanding a Patent12m

The Institutional Structure of the Patent System8m

Enforcement via the U.S. Courts4m

Life of a Patent6m

Takeaway Points2m

4 readings

Pre-Course Survey (Optional)10m

Segway Patent25m

Optional Reading: Understanding Patent Claims30m

Trends in Patent Lawsuits25m

3 practice exercises

Patent Document

Life of a Patent

Module 1 Quiz20m

Week

Week 2

3 hours to complete

Patentability

What exactly can you patent? This module delves into the important details of the various patentability requirements.

3 hours to complete

9 videos (Total 41 min), 6 readings, 3 quizzes

9 videos

How Do You Get a Patent? Patent Prosecution7m

The Standards for Patentability2m

Patent Disclosure Requirement6m

The Novelty Requirement3m

The Nonobviousness Requirement4m

The Inventorship Requirement3m

The Utility Requirement3m

The Subject Matter Requirement6m

Takeaway Points1m

6 readings

Patent Prosecution25m

Optional Reading: Patentability Requirements25m

Understanding the Enablement Requirement25m

Patent Obviousness25m

Inventor? Author? Contributor? Owner?10m

When Can an Invention Be Patented?10m

3 practice exercises

Disclosure Requirement

Utility

Module 2 Quiz25m

Week

Week 3

1 hour to complete

The Scope of a Patent

Once you have a patent, what exactly do you have? This module explores the exact scope and limits of patent coverage through a close study of patent claims.

1 hour to complete

6 videos (Total 33 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

Week

Week 4

3 hours to complete

Patent Enforcement

Once you have a patent, how do you enforce it? This module looks at patent enforcement as well as patent avoidance. We also take a close look at the fascinating case of the Super Soaker patent.

3 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 49 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz

Reviews

4.8

28 reviews

5 stars
83.75%
4 stars
14.37%
3 stars
1.87%

TOP REVIEWS FROM PATENT LAW

by MAJan 18, 2020

The selection of course topics were knowledgeful and the way lectures were delivered absolutely excellent. The final assignment was indeed practical which provided handsome learning.

by RRJan 7, 2021

This is an amazing & well organized course. I've learned creative thinking & how to apply the principles in this course. I'm sure it will be great helpful in my near future.

by MFMar 19, 2020

Very well explained and entertaining. Sufficient level of detail. Even though I am quite experienced on topic, I still could learn new things. Recommended.

by GCJan 17, 2020

Clearly presented, hits the main points needed and gives good examples to work with. Very helpful and genuinely an education.

View all reviews

About the Intellectual Property Law Specialization

Intellectual property is the currency of the tech world. The pharmaceutical patent for Lipitor generated over $100 billion in revenue, the copyright for the Harry Potter franchise has generated over $25 billion to date, and the trademarked brands of the world’s largest tech companies now eclipse $100 billion in value. But what makes these intangible assets so valuable?

Through the courses in this specialization, you will learn the differences between the various forms of U.S. intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks, and their various applications to human innovations. Drawing from that knowledge, you will then work to develop a trademark strategy for a company, analyze a patent document, and address a copyright cease-and-desist request. After completing these hands-on projects, you will have the necessary framework to craft integrated intellectual property strategies tailored to an organization’s core business goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.

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Patent Law