Master of Science in Biotechnology Program
Ryan LiermannMike BraginScott SchneiderLynda BaderTori BarronGabe Gross

Principles and Practice of Biotechnology:
Intellectual Property, Patents and Licensing

Year 1: Fall semester, 2 credits

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Course Goals

Principles and Practice of Biotechnology: Intellectual Property, Patents and Licensing is an introductory survey course highlighting key issues in intellectual property and patent law, and how they influence the development and commercialization of advances in the field of biotechnology.

This course will serve as a foundation for further studies in the Master of Science in Biotechnology. Students should anticipate drawing on this content in courses related to topics in science, business and policy as they develop a broader understanding of technology commercialization throughout the program.

Students will become familiar with topics including: intellectual property, patent law, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, licensing and patent litigation. Students will come away from the course with an enhanced ability to understand how key topics delivered in the course interact with business, finance, regulation and ethics to influence the formation and growth of biotechnology companies.

At the completion of this course, students will:

  • Obtain a general understanding of the principal types of intellectual property.
     
  • Develop an appreciation of how the various types of intellectual property fit together to protect a service or product.
     
  • Apply the fundamentals of licensing intellectual property
     
  • Gain a basic understanding of what is meant by technology transfer and its importance to the field of biotechnology
     
  • Hold a first-hand appreciation of the role of a patent examiner
     
  • Develop an understanding of the market dynamics, pricing, and valuation of early-stage intellectual property