Science & Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property
Intellectual property law – patents, copyrights or trademarks – is an increasingly important part of almost every legal practice. Penn State Dickinson addresses these dynamic areas of the law with a rich array of courses and specialized seminars incorporating the most current issues and developments. Students interested in how the law protects the intellectual property rights of individuals and/or concepts in the arts and entertainment can apply the principles of their classroom instruction by working in our Arts, Sports and Entertainment Law Clinic. In the past, clinic students have provided clients with copyright and trademark information, helped bands negotiate recording deals, assisted with sports contracts, and provided advice with respect to a variety of intellectual property transactions.

Cyberspace and Communications Law
The legal issues in cyberspace and communications law are dynamic and rapidly evolving. The Penn State Dickinson curriculum is designed to incorporate the latest developments in the Internet, media and telecommunications fields. Courses focus on such hot-button issues as digital copyrights, broadband regulations, peer-to-peer file swapping, free speech, domain names, jurisdiction, on-line privacy, e-commerce and FCC regulations.

Biotechnology and Health Law
Extensive course offerings provide students with up-to-date exposure to such critical issues as reproductive law (cloning, stem cells), DNA forensics, genetic testing and privacy, the human genome project, doctor-patient relationships, health care insurance and regulation of managed care. Beyond the classroom, students at Penn State Dickinson may participate in externships at the State
Department of Health that expose students to the regulatory issues of health care law. These experiences increase opportunities for graduates who opt for careers in health care law.

Natural Resources Law
Our curriculum includes an extensive array of classes that focus on natural resources, environmental and agricultural law. For example, we offer classes and seminars in environmental compliance,
maritime law, wildlife law, international environmental law, ocean and coastal law, and land use. Furthermore, Penn State Dickinson is the home of The Agricultural Law Resource and Reference
Center, which was established in partnership with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Penn State University’s College of Agriculture. The Center involves students in major statewide research projects and conservation activities, such as the ongoing project to save bog turtle habitats.