Intellectual Property for 9th - 12th Graders | Patents, Trademarks & Plagiarism

Hi Families! We would like to extend you a warm welcome to our virtual school! For 5 years we have worked with Quantum Montessori™ families using our heart-centered learning program to assist in sparking a love of learning within your learner.  

This class is designed to introduce secondary students to the concept of intellectual property and its importance in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Through engaging and interactive lessons, students will gain a deeper understanding of intellectual property and its role in protecting ideas, inventions, and creations.

This class is offered once a week via live instruction, with each class lasting 60 minutes. The course will cover the following topics:

Week 1: Introduction to Intellectual Property
In the first week, students will be introduced to the concept of intellectual property and its importance in society. They will learn about the different types of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights. The class will discuss the purpose of intellectual property and how it protects the rights of creators and innovators.

Week 2: Understanding Patents
In the second week, students will dive deeper into the world of patents. They will learn what a patent is and how it is obtained. The class will discuss the requirements for obtaining a patent and the different types of patents. Students will also explore famous patents and their impact on society.

Week 3: Exploring Trademarks
In the third week, students will learn about trademarks and their role in protecting brands and businesses. They will understand the difference between trademarks and patents and the process of obtaining a trademark. The class will discuss the importance of trademarks in the business world and how they can be used to establish a brand's identity and reputation.

Week 4: Understanding Plagiarism
In the final week, students will learn about plagiarism and its consequences. They will understand what constitutes as plagiarism and how to avoid it in their own work. The class will discuss the importance of giving credit to sources and ethical issues surrounding plagiarism. Students will also learn about the tools available to detect and prevent plagiarism.

Throughout these four weeks, students will engage in interactive discussions, case studies, and activities to reinforce their understanding of intellectual property, patents, trademarks, and plagiarism. By the end of the class, students will have a comprehensive understanding of intellectual property and its impact on society. They will also have the tools to protect their own intellectual property and respect the rights of others. 

A licensed US Intellectual Property attorney, a US Patent Agent, a USPTO Patent Examiner, or a licensed Business attorney may be invited to speak on various Business and Intellectual Property related topics with advance notice.

This class will not only provide students with a solid foundation in Intellectual Property law but also prepare them for potential careers in the legal field.

A class in IP would be perfect for you if you fit in any of the following categories:

1. Writing and Creating Original Stories or Artwork
2. Creating and Selling Designs
3. Inventing New Things
4. Starting your own business
5. Performing or Creating Music, Dance, or Drama
6. Collaborating and Sharing Ideas
7. Using  & Creating your own Technology and/or Software
8. Protecting Digital Content
9. Aspiring lawyers, paralegals, and patent agents


🤔 FAQ

Q: What exactly is intellectual property?
A: Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, symbols, names, and images used in commerce.

Q: How is Intellectual Property different from physical property?
A: Physical property refers to tangible objects that you can touch, while Intellectual Property is intangible and involves ownership of ideas and creations.

Q: What are the different types of Intellectual Property?
A: The main types of Intellectual Property are patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Patents protect inventions, trademarks protect logos and brands, copyrights protect creative works, and trade secrets protect confidential information.

Q: Why should I take a class about Intellectual Property?

A: You should take a class about Intellectual Property because it is becoming increasingly important in today's digital age. This class can help students understand their rights and responsibilities as creators and consumers of original works, as well as how to protect their own intellectual property. It also teaches students about the potential consequences of copyright infringement and encourages ethical and legal behavior in regards to using and sharing copyrighted materials. Understanding Intellectual Property is essential for any career involving creative work or entrepreneurship, and taking this class can provide a strong foundation for future academic and professional endeavors.