This course is a part of:
Certificate Program
Associate's Degree Program
Bachelor's Degree Program

PLG-112: Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks

The course explores the legal and policy issues associated with the Internet and cyberspace. The course will focus on cases, statutes, regulations, and constitutional provisions that affect people and businesses interacting through computers and the Internet. Topics include intellectual property, e-commerce, online contracts, cybercrimes, torts, and privacy issues.

Course Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this course, the student will have acquired knowledge of and the skills to:

• Describe the history and development of the Internet.
• Identify jurisdictional issues in cyberspace.
• Explain the scope of copyright protection for online content and the fair use defense.
• Discuss trademark protection for Internet content, software, and other technology related products and services.
• Explain the scope of patent protection for Internet patents and what is meant by obviousness.
• Determine the validity and enforceability of e-contracts.
• Apply relevant tax laws in the online environment, including sales tax, use tax, and income tax for individuals and businesses.
• Explain the main federal statutes associated with computer crimes and the penalties associated with cybercrimes.
• Describe the different tort causes of action available in the online environment, including invasion of privacy, defamation, and fraud.
• Evaluate how the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and press are tested in the Internet Age.
• Compare the right of privacy in the online environment afforded under the U.S. Constitution, state constitutions, and statutes.
• Apply the legal and policy issues surrounding privacy to social networking sites, search queries, online advertising, data mining, online privacy, and workplace policies.