This course is for students from all five colleges at Lehigh interested in learning intellectual property (IP) strategies for research impact. IP rights — often among the most valuable assets of any enterprise — are essential to strategies for competitive market positioning, revenue generation, and long-term growth. This course explores how to develop IP and execute IP strategies that strengthen competitive positioning, create sustainable value, and meet long-term goals. Key learning areas include: IP development and strategic IP management, how to build and leverage an IP portfolio for competitive advantage; IP-driven market positioning, using patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets; and enforcement of IP rights, including resolution of IP disputes, licensing and monetization. Emphasis on professional skills of: communication, project management, critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration and networking, resilience and adaptability.

Key topics include:

  • IP Basics: understanding patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets;
  • Developing, protecting, and managing IP rights to provide a competitive advantage;
  • Enforcing IP rights by licensing, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution.

By the end of the course, you’ll learn how to develop and strategically manage intellectual property —patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets — to protect innovations, secure competitive advantages, and enforce IP rights through licensing, litigation, or alternative dispute resolution.

Remote Synchronous

Five every-other-Wednesday evenings from September through November:

Wed, Sept 9: 7:15pm-9:55pm

Wed, Sept 23: 7:15pm-9:55pm

Wed, Oct 7: 7:15pm-9:55pm

Wed, Oct 21: 7:15pm-9:55pm

Wed, Nov 4: 7:15pm-9:55pm

Faculty: James Kozuch, JD, MBA is an intellectual property (IP) attorney helping inventors, startups, and IP owners maximize IP value. He counsels clients on all aspects of IP law, prepares and prosecutes patent applications, provides patentability and infringement opinions, and prepares IP-related agreements. Jim has litigated many IP matters and has been lead counsel in trials and hearings in cases involving patent and trademark infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets, and breach of non- compete agreements. He also is an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association and the International Centre for Dispute Resolution. Jim previously worked in engineering and strategic planning for major energy and chemical companies and is a Licensed Professional Engineer as well as a Registered Patent Attorney. He holds an MBA from Lehigh University, a BS in Engineering from Cornell University, and a JD from Temple University School of Law.