Program in Law and Technology
Overview
Advances in computers, communications systems, electronics, and biotechnology occur at a breathtaking pace, and the Internet is having a revolutionary impact on commerce and entertainment. The faculty of the law school recognized early on the importance of many of these developments. In 1989, the University of Dayton School of Law committed itself to producing graduates who are well-versed in law and technology issues by creating the Program in Law and Technology (PILT).
The Program in Law and Technology is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in several areas: patent law, copyright and trademark law, business dimensions of intellectual property law (particularly the licensing of intellectual property), computer/cyberspace law, entertainment law and the impact of technology on the practice of law.
The School of Law offers more than a dozen courses in these areas. Students have a great opportunity to graduate with a well-rounded, cutting-edge education. They are well prepared to handle the legal issues involved in these ever-expanding areas of law.
In addition to courses, there are many opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular and co-curricular activities related to law and technology.
As PILT has developed over the years, it has become internationally known, attracting a variety of distinguished visitors and speakers. The program also regularly sponsors advanced programs for practitioners and scholarly symposia. The scholarly symposia and the advanced programs for practitioners are open to law students, members of the legal community and law faculty and staff, to create a collegial atmosphere for dialogue, learning and networking.
PILT Students
The quality of the students in the program is noteworthy. Our students are hard working and highly motivated. They come from a variety of backgrounds, and many have worked professionally for a number of years before coming to law school.
There is no specific undergraduate background required for the program. Students in the program have undergraduate backgrounds in every conceivable major. These majors have included liberal arts (economics, English, history, journalism, mathematics, music, philosophy), social science (government, political science), science (biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology), engineering (aerospace, biomedical, ceramic, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical), business (accounting, finance, marketing, MIS), and others (computer science, prelaw). One aspect of patent law (patent prosecution) requires a background in science and engineering, yet other areas of patent practice do not require this background.
PILT Fellows
The PILT Fellows Program provides for J.D., LL.M. and M.S.L. students interested in Law and Technology, and Intellectual Property Law, to participate in activities that enhance their related subject matter knowledge and promote their visibility in these fields (at the national and international level).
PILT Fellows will:
- Participate in international conferences, symposia, and other online events
- Expand their exposure to networking and career opportunities in the field
- Participate, present their research, and serve as commentators in the IP Law and Tech Monthly Roundtable Series
- Establish a deeper understanding of the global and interdisciplinary aspects of this field
Intellectual Property Law and Tech Monthly Roundtable Series
The PILT IP Law and Tech Monthly Roundtable Series is intended to allow law students (including PILT Fellows), faculty, and alumni to present ongoing research and commentary on court decisions and other high-profile legal developments in IP and Law and Technology.
Such topics may include, but are not limited to: Copyrights, Patents, Trademarks, Licensing, Trade Secrets, IP Commercialization, Privacy, Artificial Intelligence, IP and Human Rights, IP Law and Economics, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Regulation, Cybercrime and Cybersecurity, Fintech, and Start-up Law.