Law and the Arts

(4 Credits)

Intellectual property rights arise upon the creation of art works. As an introduction to intellectual property law, this class will identify and examine the copyright, trademark, design patent, and patent rights which may attach to art works in the fields of literature, visual arts, theater, dance, and film. Focusing on copyright, the extent of the distribution of ownership, transferability, and assignment of these exclusive rights, as well as mechanisms for their registration, transfer, and enforcement, will be addressed and compared across common and civil law jurisdictions including the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United Arab Emirates. Such study will ensue with the analysis of national legislative frameworks and interpretive case law, and other international materials. Exceptions to the exclusive rights in the art works will also be examined in the context of national and international public policy priorities. Additional topics may include: negotiating music recording contracts, commissioning art installations, bringing concerts to the UAE, identifying art in money laundering, and returning Nazi-era art.