Apart from their assigned mod courses, 1L students may only enroll in courses offered as 1L electives. A complete list of these courses can be found on the 1L Elective Listings page. 1L students must use the 1L class number listed on the course description when enrolling.
275.2 sec. 001 - Video Game Law (Spring 2025)
Instructor: Joseph Lee Schenck
Instructor: Jennifer Stanley
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Units: 1
Grading Designation: Credit Only
Mode of Instruction: In-Person
Meeting:
Th 3:35 PM - 5:25 PM
Location: Law 132
From January 16, 2025
To February 27, 2025
Course End: February 27, 2025
Class Number: 32931
Enrollment info:
Enrolled: 60
Waitlisted: 21
Enroll Limit: 60
As of: 11/28 04:05 AM
More than half of all Americans play video games -- whether through a browser, mobile device or game console -- and spending on interactive content now rivals that for streaming, movies, and music. Video games are great fun and big business, but what are the legal implications?
- How has copyright law evolved in an era when a hit iPhone game can spawn a lookalike competitor within months?
- Should trademark law prevent a developer from featuring real-world locations in their game?
- As games become stunningly realistic, when does a depiction of a college quarterback or rock star violate their right of publicity?
We will answer these questions and more as we explore the legal issues surrounding how video games are developed, distributed, and consumed. After learning the relevant law, we will assume the mantle of in-house counsel and conduct a mock developer-publisher negotiation and at least one other in-class exercise. Throughout the semester we may be joined by guests from the industry who will share their perspectives on how legal issues translate into actual practice. The class ends with a take-home final exam.
Exam Notes: (TH) Take-home examination
(Subject to change by faculty member only through the first two weeks of instruction)
Exam Length: 4 hours
Course Category: Intellectual Property and Technology Law
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