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Patents, Copyrights & Trademarks - Judge, Jury & Evaluator.
29th November 2013
Did Robin Thicke rip off Marvin Gaye? Should Nestle be allowed to use the colour purple? Is there anything wrong with calling your business Obama Fried Chicken? Is Wozniak's idea of cross-licencing a good one?This a fun, differentiated and ready made lesson in which students become IP lawyers and examine the evidence for 7 different intellectual property courtroom spats.
On the PowerPoint below, there are hyperlinks to letters, news articles and videos relating to some high profile courtroom battles relating to patents, copyrights and trademarks.
Students need to study the evidence, argue the reasons for and against and decide if decisions should be upheld and what damages should be paid.
This activity caters for all learning styles; the Robin Thicke v Marvin Gaye case has just music and videos whilst the Groucho v Warner Bros. has the famously witty (and lengthy) letter from Mr Marx.
I've used this with 2 classes thus far and they both loved it! Most importantly, they were able to demonstrate high levels of application, analysis and evaluative skills. Case closed!
I hope it helps.