Course Details

Innovation Theory & Intellectual Property

This seminar will provide an overview of theories of innovation developed in several fields, including economics, psychology, and sociology of science and technology. The seminar will focus on understanding each disciplinary approach to innovation and analyzing efforts to incorporate these theories of innovation into the design of patent law. We will begin by examining traditional economic approaches to innovation and discussing how these insights have been incorporated into patent theory. We will then question the adequacy of these traditional approaches to innovation in light of findings from psychology regarding intrinsic motivation and creativity, and from sociology regarding collective innovation. We then discuss whether and in what ways current findings in economics, psychology, and sociology should lead us to recalibrate the patent system. We will end by considering other tools available to foster innovation, including government grants and prizes. PRE-REQUISITES/RESTRICTIONS: PPTYTORT 650 Intellectual Property Survey or PPTYTORT 651 Patent Law are recommended (but not required).

Catalog Number: PPTYTORT 624
Additional Course Information: Perspective Elective,  Research Writing

Course History

Fall 2020
Title: Innovation Theory & Intellectual Property
Faculty: Pedraza-Fariña, Laura (courses | profile)
Section: 1     Credits: 3.0
Capacity: 20     Actual: 18