A Unique Program: An Introduction from the Director

The Center for Law, Technology, and the Arts (Center for LTA) was created with the understanding that technologic and artistic expression are both part of the human creative enterprise; and there are artistic influences in science and scientific influences in the arts. Also behind the Center for LTA’s creation was the recognition that the ongoing technological revolution presents new opportunities and challenges for our legal system pertaining to technological innovation and related proprietary rights. There have been significant national and international developments in the visual and musical arts that offer their own opportunities and challenges. Law and technology and law and the arts are burgeoning fields that present some of the most exciting, important, and complex issues facing not only our legal system, but also the business and technology communities.

The Center for LTA is designed to be an internationally recognized forum for the interdisciplinary study of law, technology, and the arts. The center focuses on teaching, research, and programs pertaining to intellectual property, technological innovation, and technology transfer; the intersection of science, economics, philosophy, and the law; legal issues concerning biotechnology and computer technologies; and laws and cultural issues relating to the creative arts.

Students at Case Western Reserve University School of Law have the opportunity to address some of today’s most intriguing issues, such as patent law’s relationship to the human genome project and nanotechnology; copyright law’s relevance to digital music and art; the applicability of trademark law to domain names and keyword advertising; various cyber-related regulatory initiatives relating to free speech and the Internet; and international issues pertaining to plundered art, biodiversity, and cultural property.

We are excited about the mission and undertakings of the Center for LTA and welcome your thoughts and questions.

Craig Allen Nard
Tom J.E. and Bette Lou Walker Professor of Law
Director, Center for Law, Technology & the Arts