01 / Reading Guide
Reading Guide
Who this book is for
For law students studying intellectual property and readers ready to work through cases rather than only a general explanation of ownership. It offers a free casebook route into the interaction between private rights, exceptions and the public domain. Its United States focus should remain visible when making international comparisons.
Prerequisites
Be able to read judicial opinions and distinguish a holding from supporting argument. A basic introduction to United States legal institutions helps; this is not a guide to the law of every jurisdiction.
What it covers
The materials pair doctrinal introductions with edited cases, secondary readings and problem-based discussion. Rights are considered alongside their limits and the policy arguments that justify them. The structure supports comparison across fields without assuming that copyright, patents and trademarks protect the same things for the same reasons.
How to use it
Brief one case before answering a problem: identify the work or invention, the claimed right, the contested conduct and the remedy. Give the strongest argument for each side and locate the authority supporting it. Change one fact and ask whether the result should change. When comparing jurisdictions, keep the United States rule separate from a proposed policy preference.
Edition and sources
The Duke repository identifies the sixth edition, 2024, ISBN 9798334068735 and its official full-text route. Original materials are released under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0, with the book distinguishing public-domain legal sources. Use the assigned edition for case selections and verify subsequent legal developments when applying a rule.
