5 Credits (3 for Patent and License Clinic I, 2 for Patent and License Clinic II)

The clinic involves instruction and practical training in patent drafting as well as the negotiation and drafting of patent and software license agreements.

Students will participate in class sessions covering these topics and will be assigned to one or more significant drafting and counseling projects in one or both of these two areas. The clinic also covers evaluation of inventions and computer software for patentability and commercial value; counseling of UVA faculty inventors regarding patentability, inventorship, and the patenting process; preparation, filing and prosecution of provisional U.S. patent applications; dealing with patent examiners; and researching current issues in the fields of intellectual property and technology transfer.

Some exposure to international patent applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty may be possible. Resolution of disputes with licensees and possible infringers will be undertaken where appropriate. Several class sessions will be scheduled early in the semester at a mutually convenient time. Students will work in the office of the University of Virginia Patent Foundation six to eight hours per week. A technical background is recommended.

Students will be asked to provide the instructor with a statement relating to technical background (scientific, mathematical, computer, etc.) to aid in the assignment process.