Mark A. Lemley

William H. Neukom Professor of Law

Intellectual PropertyPatent LawAntitrustLaw and Technology

Mark A. Lemley is the William H. Neukom Professor of Law at Stanford Law School and Director of the Stanford Program in Law, Science and Technology. He is the most-cited scholar in intellectual property law in the world, with 11 books and over 200 articles that have been cited more than 50,000 times. His work has been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court 19 times. He is also a founding partner of the litigation firm Lex Lumina LLP and has argued numerous federal appellate cases.

Teaching Style

Professor Lemley is known for his engaging and accessible teaching style that makes complex intellectual property doctrine understandable. He uses a moderate Socratic method, cold-calling students but maintaining a conversational tone that encourages participation. His classes are enriched by his dual perspective as both a leading academic and a practicing litigator, and he frequently uses cutting-edge technology disputes as teaching examples.

Cold Call Tips

  1. 1Stay current on recent patent and IP cases, especially those involving technology companies
  2. 2Understand the economic rationale behind IP protections and be ready to discuss whether specific doctrines actually promote innovation
  3. 3Be prepared to discuss the intersection of IP law with antitrust and competition policy
  4. 4Know the statutory frameworks (Patent Act, Lanham Act) as well as the case law

Areas of Expertise

Patent lawTrademark lawIntellectual property and antitrustLaw of artificial intelligenceTechnology regulation

Education

  • B.A., Stanford University
  • J.D., University of California, Berkeley

Notable Publications

  • IP and Antitrust (treatise)
  • Intellectual Property in the New Technological Age (casebook)

Research Interests

Patent system reformArtificial intelligence and lawTrademark and brand protectionIP licensing and competitionInternet law and platform regulation

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