Classes & Curriculum
With a curriculum designed by scholars working in the sector, the Center prepares USF Law students to practice on the cutting edge of law and to consider the ramifications of tech through a social justice lens. Through innovative classes, including AI & Law, Blockchain Law, and Decentralized Finance Law, and hands-on learning in our Internet & Intellectual Property Justice Clinic, students graduate ready to navigate new legal frontiers.
J.D. Certificates
- AI & Emerging Technology Law
- IP Law
- Privacy Law
AI & Emerging Technology Law
Meet the demands of the complex and evolving technology law landscape with the AI & Emerging Technology Law Certificate.
IP Law
Earn an IP Law Certificate and learn the latest approaches to protecting intellectual creation, discovery, and invention, including copyrights, trademarks, and patents.
Privacy Law
Gain the foundational knowledge and skills to work with businesses, individuals, and governments to balance innovation with security with a Privacy Law Certificate.
Classes for USF Students
Technology evolves quickly — and so do we. USF adapts and extends our curricular offerings to keep pace with emerging tools, platforms, and legal challenges. New courses are added regularly to reflect the changing landscape of technology and law.
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Explore a wide variety of legal issues raised by and related to artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms, and automated technologies. This course explores the interaction of novel AI technologies and traditional legal regimes. Topics include algorithmic bias and fairness, intellectual property (e.g., copyright of AI-generated works), privacy and security, criminal justice (e.g., predictive policing), and national and international AI governance regimes.
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Blockchain technology represents new challenges and opportunities for lawyers. This seminar course, taught by Professor Michele Neitz, is an introduction to blockchain technology and related legal and regulatory issues. Previous technical experience is not required. Students will (1) learn the core technologies of blockchain, including the technical aspects of cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and smart contracts; (2) analyze the real-world application of blockchain in various use cases; and (3) evaluate the way lawmakers and regulators are dealing with this cutting-edge technology, particularly in the area of state regulations, federal securities law, and ethical considerations.
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This course, taught by Professor Charles Belle, aims to introduce students to the laws, regulations, and legal issues surrounding decentralized finance, also known as DeFi. Through class discussions and readings, students will develop an understanding of the legal and policy issues arising from decentralized ledger-driven innovation.
Topics covered will include legal, regulatory, and policy issues related to cryptocurrencies, initial coin offerings, online lending, new payment technologies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and the unique legal concerns associated with stablecoins. Additional topics will include Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, self-sovereignty initiatives, and the Bank Secrecy Act. No prior knowledge of blockchain, cryptocurrency, NFTs, or DeFi is required for this course. It is designed for students of all levels to learn and engage with the legal issues in DeFi that are revolutionizing securities regulations, gaming, privacy laws, and intellectual property licensing.
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The course provides an overview of how IP rights are enforced in the U.S. and the basic principles of copyright, trademark, trade secret, and patent law. The course is taught from a practical perspective, allowing students to apply legal concepts to strategically solve hypothetical IP issues companies and individuals face. The course covers various aspects of IP disputes and analyzes hypothetical lawsuits so that students learn techniques that they can strategically apply when litigating IP cases. Prerequisites: Intellectual Property Survey, Copyright Law, Patent Law, or Trademark Law.
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The course examines the legal protection of privacy. It explores the interaction of common law, constitutional law, and the patchwork of statutes that endeavor to protect privacy. Topics will include tort privacy claims, privacy of medical information, privacy and law enforcement, privacy and computerized records, and privacy at work.
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This skills-based course covers privacy issues most commonly encountered when designing, launching, or enhancing technology products and services. In this context, students explore how technology can be used to protect users’ privacy. Topics include: privacy by design, FTC and unfair and deceptive practices, and international transfers of data. The course includes practical group exercises on implementing privacy by design in a technology product, drafting of a privacy policy, and negotiation of privacy-related provisions in contracts.
Blockchain Technology and the Law equips me with the knowledge and skills I need to navigate the legal issues of blockchain technology in the field of intellectual property. As an international student, I believe that the insights gained from this course will provide me with a competitive edge in a global market increasingly in need of legal professionals who have knowledge of blockchain technology.”
Savleen Kaur Intellectual Property & Technology Law, LLM Student
Internet & Intellectual Property Justice Clinic
In the Bay Area, a hub of invention and innovation, companies and individuals need lawyers to help them protect their intellectual property. As a student in USF's Internet and Intellectual Property Justice Clinic, you have the opportunity to do just that.
