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Lesson

Intellectual Property

Published
Feb 24, 2025
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The Internet is an extraordinary means of delivering and accessing information, and has also brought unprecedented challenges to intellectual property. What are the consequences for individuals and for society if books, songs, and videos are made available for free on the Web?

Guiding questions

Lesson Plan + Activity Packet

Guiding Question:

  • Can you own an idea?

Objectives

Students will:

  • Understand the meaning of intellectual property
  • Understand how the Constitution empowers Congress to protect the intellectual property of citizens.
  • Analyze scenarios in which intellectual property protections may apply.
  • Evaluate current challenges to intellectual property including file sharing; the Harry Potter Lexicon copyright case; and Web sites such as Turnitin.com.

Materials

Materials:

  • Handout A: Artistic License
  • Handout B: Poetic Justice
  • Handout C: Case Studies
  • Handout D: Technology and Intellectual Property

Lesson plan

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Standards