This course will explore the theory, practice, and policy objectives of the U.S. patent system. After briefly exploring its history and basic architecture, we will explore patentability, including: the requirements for disclosing and claiming the invention; patent eligibility; statutory bars; priority rules; and prior art hurdles. We will then explore patent infringement, defenses to patent infringement, remedies, the Hatch-Waxman Act, and the legal process of the patent system. Throughout the term we will discuss current topics in patent law and consider changes to the patent system brought about by the passage of the American Invents Act of 2011 (“AIA”). A technical background is not required to take this course.