Intellectual Property Law Commons^™

Responding To Deficiencies In The Architecture Of Privacy: Co-Regulation As The Path Forward For Data Protection On Social Networking Sites, Laurent Cre ́Peau

Canadian Journal of Law and Technology

Social Networking Sites like Facebook, Twitter and the like are a ubiquitous part of contemporary culture. Yet, as exemplified on numerous occasions, most recently in the Cambridge Analytica scandal that shook Facebook in 2018, these sites pose major concerns for personal data protection. Whereas self-regulation has characterized the general regulatory mindset since the early days of the Internet, it is no longer viable given the threat social media poses to user privacy. This article notes the deficiencies of self-regulatory models of privacy and contends jurisdictions like Canada should ensure they have strong data protection regulations to adequately protect the public. …

Artificial Intelligence In Canadian Healthcare: Will The Law Protect Us From Algorithmic Bias Resulting In Discrimination?, Bradley Henderson, Colleen M. Flood, Teresa Scassa

Canadian Journal of Law and Technology

In this article, we canvas why AI may perpetuate or exacerbate extant discrimination through a review of the training, development, and implementation of healthcare-related AI applications and set out policy options to militate against such discrimination. The article is divided into eight short parts including this introduction. Part II focuses on explaining AI, some of its basic functions and processes, and its relevance to healthcare. In Part III, we define and explain the difference and relationship between algorithmic bias and data bias, both of which can result in discrimination in healthcare settings, and provide some prominent examples of healthcare-related AI …

Character Copyrightability In Chaos: How Unclear Character Copyrightability Tests Lead To Improper Result, Kathleen Hanley

American University Law Review

Copyright law for fictional characters has been inconsistent since the first character copyright case in 1930. The lack of explicit statutory protection for fictional characters has led circuit courts to develop varying tests to determine character copyrightability. Several of these tests stray from the well-established constitutional principle that copyright protection is available for any work that exhibits a minimal level of originality and creativity. This Comment analyzes three different character copyright tests: (1) the “distinctly delineated” test, (2) the Towle test, and (3) the “stock character” test and argues that the “stock character” test is the appropriate test for courts …

The Subject Strikes Back: Intellectual Property Law, Visual Pleasure, And Resistance In The Arts, John Tehranian

American University Law Review

In which we discuss self-infringement, monkey selfies, wildlife, Oscar Wilde, (Richard) Prince, Prince (Rogers Nelson), kissing sailors, the metaphor of the hunt, fatwās, the Masters, the male gaze, revenge porn, peeping Toms, surveillance art, nudes at the Met, Rastafarians, celebutantes, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Rockwellian tranquility, and the Three Stooges.

Patent Eligibility And Cancer Therapy, Christopher B. Seaman

Washington and Lee Law Review

As an empirical legal scholar, I am pleased to report that Sasha Hoyt has done what very few law students—and even many law professors—could achieve. She successfully conducted a novel empirical study to assess the real-world impact of a U.S. Supreme Court decision, Mayo Collaborative Services v. Prometheus Laboratories, Inc., on venture capital (VC) investment in startups and other companies that develop medical diagnostic technology.

As Ms. Hoyt notes, patent protection is particularly important for startup companies, as it can help protect their innovations from unauthorized use, attract funding and other investments, and foster collaboration with third parties. In …

Copyright Takes To The Streets: Protecting Graffiti Under The Visual Artists Rights Act, Michaela S. Morrissey

Law Student Publications

Artists who choose the streets as their canvas—whether to beautify neighborhoods, spark political protest, or merely mark their territory—are faced with uncertainties when it comes to questions of copyright protection for their work. Prior to Castillo v. G&M Realty L.P., the rights granted to street artists had generally been uncharted territory. However, a verdict that pitted the rights of street artists against the rights of property owners finally gave street art the credibility many felt it long deserved. In Castillo, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit recognized graffiti as a work of visual art, thus …

Copyright Takes To The Streets: Protecting Graffiti Under The Visual Artists Rights Act, Michaela S. Morrissey

Law Student Publications

Artists who choose the streets as their canvas—whether to beautify neighborhoods, spark political protest, or merely mark their territory—are faced with uncertainties when it comes to questions of copyright protection for their work. Prior to Castillo v. G&M Realty L.P., the rights granted to street artists had generally been uncharted territory. However, a verdict that pitted the rights of street artists against the rights of property owners finally gave street art the credibility many felt it long deserved. In Castillo, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit recognized graffiti as a work of visual …

Book Review: Research Handbook On Design Law, Toshiko Takenaka Prof.

Book Reviews

Although recent US case law significantly increased the value of design patents, the European industry has long acknowledged the commercial value of product designs and developed EU-wide protection for the designs regardless of registration. According to recent statistics, both US and EU design patents and community design rights outperform utility patents on validity and infringement. The result of the community design rights is particularly surprising because both registered and unregistered design rights issue without any examination of substantive requirements. Effective product design protection is a key to success for consumer goods manufacturers to complete in the global market. However, there …

An Intellectual Property Fix For Platform Salesjacking, Eric E. Johnson

Faculty Articles

The aim of this Essay is to introduce an intellectual property angle to a current controversy that has been understood to be a matter for antitrust law. The controversy arises when a platform company--most famously Amazon--uses its platform to host a marketplace for independent retailers while simultaneously hosting itself as a retailer on the platform, thus competing as a retailer with an inside advantage. Critics say this setup allows platform firms to cherry-pick the best product ideas from small, independent retailers and then hijack their sales. This Essay seeks to advance the conversation about this controversy, making at least four …

The Deficiencies Of Oregon Ballot Measure 110, Jacob Towles

SMU Science and Technology Law Review

In 1970, the Federal Government enacted the Controlled Substance Act (CSA), which made certain drugs and substances illegal absent a medical prescription. The control of drugs through the CSA exists to prevent harm to the public. Nonetheless, some cities and states have enacted laws that allow for the benefit of selling or pleasure of using illegal drugs to outweigh the legal ramifications.

In November 2020, The Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act, also known as Oregon Ballot Measure 110 (Measure 110), made Oregon the first state in the country to decriminalize all drugs. Measure 110 was enacted with the overarching …

Oculogica: An Eye-Catching Innovation In Health Care And The Privacy Implications Of Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning In Diagnostics For The Human Brain, Samantha V. Ettari, Elijah Roden, Vishal Ahuja, Uzma Samadani

SMU Science and Technology Law Review

This article explores the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in emerging eye-tracking diagnostic technology, with a focus on both the patient data privacy and security regulations that firms, specifically device inventors and manufacturers, may face and how such firms can address the developing privacy and regulatory legal challenges. In addition, we discuss the ethical considerations of algorithmic bias, the impact such biases have on society and emerging technology, along with specific actions companies should take to maximize patient outcomes. Lastly, we offer a case study of Oculogica, an emerging digital health technology company—and its medical device (EyeBOX) – to illustrate …

Death Of The Limited License To Data: United States V. Van Buren, Nick Curley

SMU Science and Technology Law Review

The United States Supreme Court has normally viewed data as property. Yet in United States v. Van Buren, the Court abandoned the property law angle. Van Buren included examination of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act’s applicability to a police officer who accepted a bribe from undercover agents to look up a phony license plate. The Court held that under the CFAA someone only “exceeds authorized access” when they properly access a computer and then improperly access files “that are off limits to [them].”

This Case Note explores why the Supreme Court should not have abandoned the property analogy …

In The Midst Of A Global Pandemic: Benefits Of A Biomedical Patenting Regime, Amy Q. Nguyen

SMU Science and Technology Law Review

There has long been a debate centered around genomic and biomedical data patenting. The opposition expresses concern that the patenting of genomic and biomedical data will hinder the manufacturing and distribution of medical and scientific discoveries to those who need them. On the other hand, supporters of patenting genomic and biomedical data explain that patents are beneficial. For example, genomic and biomedical patents allow pharmaceutical companies and research labs to recoup their massive investments in researching and developing new medical and scientific methodologies and technologies. Patents also incentivize these companies to make discoveries to prevent future pandemics and diseases.

In …

Selling Out For A Song: “Artist Abuse” And Saving Creatives From Servitude And Economic Disadvantage In The Entertainment Industry, Rick G. Morris

SMU Science and Technology Law Review

Artists drive the entertainment industry with their creative work, and in some cases, there are protections for artists when it comes to their work, wealth, and autonomy. However, the area of contracts called “private law,” under which artists’ contracts fall, is lightly regulated in comparison to other employment agreements. Artists, often at the beginning of their careers, are signed to long-term contracts that take advantage of them and do not provide adequate compensation. Artists might be locked into contractual arrangements that they cannot free themselves from. Sometimes, they are directly cheated. And much of this comes from people they trust, …

Crypto-Litigation: An Empirical Overview For 2020–Present, Moin A. Yahya, Nicole Pecharsky

SMU Science and Technology Law Review

This article is an empirical analysis of the past two years of litigation around cryptocurrencies and other crypto-assets. We collected data points, from nearly 300 cases, over the past two years and then classified them by the various litigated issues. This article provides a breakdown of these issues as well as the jurisdictions from where these cases come from. The discussion reviews a few notable cases to illustrate what kinds of disputes have been brought to the courts. As we move into a new round of litigation due to a recent drop in the prices of cryptocurrencies, we hope that …

Creating A United Front: Harmonizing The United States Regulatory Policies Surrounding Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Sydney Kossow

SMU Science and Technology Law Review

Stem cell therapy is an imperative development in science and medicine that is heavily regulated worldwide. With the potential to cure illnesses, help understand disease development, and advance regenerative medicine, a harmonized regulatory policy is crucial to capitalize on the benefits of stem cells. This article examines an important topic of discussion surrounding stem cell therapy and research: the political debate on how and when embryonic stem cells can be used. In addition to examining ethical challenges, this article discusses the legal challenges surrounding using embryonic stem cells to inform regenerative therapies. Specifically, this article will examine the National Institute …

Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing: Privacy Issues & Impacts On Biological Relatives, Quinn Prchal

SMU Science and Technology Law Review

Numerous direct-to-consumer genetic testing services now offer individuals genetic sequencing, testing, and ancestry mapping services outside of the traditional healthcare infrastructure and regulatory barriers. The rise of direct-to-consumer testing services presents policy questions on how to best protect consumers while still promoting future innovation. From a data privacy perspective, concerns include who can share other people’s genetic information, what entities can use the information, what happens if the information is stolen, and whether law enforcement, or other entities, can request information from a third party. The overarching concern is that once disclosed, genetic information often cannot be unshared or returned. …

Blockchain Disruption: Digital Assets Are Changing How We Do Business, Nick Curley

SMU Science and Technology Law Review

Digital assets are changing the way businesses think about equity, labor, business models, and business organization. Digital assets, like Bitcoin or Ethereum, provide incredible opportunities to further align shareholders with the objectives of the entity.

Each time humanity advances its technology for ledgers, markets explode, and we witness immense wealth creation. Digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum are the next great step forward for ledger technology. While there are incredible opportunities to leverage this new technology, there are also incredible risks. There are many public examples of “hacks” of prominent blockchains like Ethereum and Solana. Blockchain technology has captured the …

The Institutionalist Turn In Copyright, Shyamkrishna Balganesh

Faculty Scholarship

The institutionalist turn refers to the reality that over the last decade and a half, the Court’s copyright jurisprudence has come to focus less and less on directly resolving substantive issues within the landscape of copyright doctrine. It has instead become a principal site of debate and disagreement over issues that have a direct bearing on the role, competence, and legitimacy of the Court within the copyright system. The institutionalist turn does not imply that the Court’s decisions have altogether avoided engaging substantive copyright issues; merely that its engagement of copyright doctrine has come to be intertwined with — and …

Comments On Council Draft 6 [Black Letter And Comments], Jane C. Ginsburg, June M. Besek

Faculty Scholarship

We appreciate the Reporters’ incorporation of some of our comments on recent drafts. There remain, however, certain flaws in CD6 that should be addressed. We explain the issues, below.

Antibody Claims And The Evolution Of The Written Description/Enablement Requirement, S Sean Tu, Christopher M. Holman

Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Olympians As Laborers: How Unionizing Can Help Athletes Bargain For Compensation And Better Structural Support, Sherif Farrag

Fordham Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Law Journal

Team USA athletes suffer poor structural support and inadequate compensation despite constituting irreplaceable labor for the multi-billion-dollar Olympic sports industry. This poor support is evident in recent complaints made by Olympic stars of the poor mental health support provided by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and in its failure to prevent nearly two decades of sexual abuse perpetrated on USA Gymnastics gymnasts. The inadequate compensation is apparent as athletes continue to receive no wages for their participation in the Olympics or Olympic-sanctioned events, generally struggle financially, and face restrictions on licensing their name, image, and likeness to partners …

Face The Facts, Or Is The Face A Fact?: Biometric Privacy In Publicly Available Data, Daniel Levin

Fordham Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Law Journal

Recent advances in biometric technologies have caused a stir among the privacy community. Specifically, facial recognition technologies facilitated through data scraping practices have called into question the basic precepts we had around exercising biometric privacy. Yet, in spite of emerging case law on the permissibility of data scraping, comparatively little attention has been given to the privacy implications endemic to such practices.

On the one hand, privacy proponents espouse the view that manipulating publicly available data from, for example, our social media profiles, derogates from users’ expectations around the kind of data they share with platforms (and the obligations such …

Failed Analogies: Justice Thomas’S Concurrence In Biden V. Knight First Amendment Institute, Sarah S. Seo

Fordham Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Law Journal

Twenty-six years ago, twenty-six words created the internet. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act is a short, yet powerful, provision that notably protects social media platforms, among other interactive computer services, from liability for content created by third-party users. At the time of its enactment, Section 230 aimed to encourage the robust growth of the then-nascent internet while protecting it from government regulation. More recently, however, it has been wielded by Big Tech companies like Twitter and Facebook to prevent any liability for real-world harms that stem from virtual interactions conducted over their platforms.

Although the Supreme Court has …

Algorithms And Misinformation: The Constitutional Implications Of Regulating Microtargeting, Talia Bulka

Fordham Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Law Journal

The increased popularity of social media in recent years has brought with it unwanted consequences. Most notably, the world is experiencing a widespread epidemic of online misinformation and disinformation. In the form of news stories and advertisements, false information about candidates like Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump has spread over Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Since false information is often more sensational than the truth, this information is reposted and shared until it reaches millions of people. However, the real culprit of this misinformation phenomenon is microtargeting—algorithms that exploit users’ personal information and previous media interactions to target …

I See Dead Patents: How Bugs In The Patent System Keep Expired Patents Alive, Dinis Cheian

Fordham Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Law Journal

One of the most important days in the life of a patent is the day it dies.

The moment a patent dies, the patent owner loses her monopoly over her invention, ending the stream of income generated by that patent. Without an enforceable patent to protect the invention, the competitors and public can freely buy and sell copycat products that compete with the patent owner’s. Consumers reap the rewards in the form of more options and lower prices.

Normally, those potential competitors must wait exactly twenty years from the date the patent application is filed with the United States Patent …

Duty Of Disclosure -- Time To Reconsider After The Dawn Of The Information Age, David R. Soucy Esq.

Marquette Intellectual Property & Innovation Law Review

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Intellectual Property Rights As A Barrier For Developing Countries To Access A Covid-19 Vaccine, Kristina Frkovic

Marquette Intellectual Property & Innovation Law Review

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Reconstruction Of The Reasonable Person Standard Under Chinese Patent Law, Weihong Yao, Robert H. Hu

Marquette Intellectual Property & Innovation Law Review

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Patching The Data Security Blanket: How A Stronger, Collaborative Ftc Is The Answer Right Under Our Nose, Jose A. Gonzalez Lopez

Marquette Intellectual Property & Innovation Law Review

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