This seminar will contrast the formal legal protections of intellectual property law with the informal, nonlegal, self-regulatory mechanisms that have emerged in a variety of creative industries. Comedians, chefs, roller derby enthusiasts, tattoo artists, and others have developed complex, nuanced, and informally-enforced norms, attitudes, and expectations surrounding creative production. We will consider these norm-based alternatives, the motivations for their adoption, and what they might teach us about intellectual property law and policy.
For details on class times, days of the week, instructors, and grading and exam details, please view the Michigan Law Class Schedule.