Section III Activities: Copyrights

Intellectual vs. Physical PropertyUsing examples from the story as a guide (i.e. Lacey’s CD title versus the CD itself, Devin’s skateboard design versus the skateboard itself), come up with items from popular culture and then differentiate the physical property from the intellectual property.

This activity can be played as a flash-round game by dividing the class into two teams.

Examining How Society Benefits from Intellectual Property and its Laws

Two (2) famous “inventors” will be listed on the board (one well-known for physical inventions, one for intellectual - ex: Alexander Graham Bell and The Beatles).

What benefits has society obtained from each “invention“?  Take turns writing these on the board next to each inventor.   

Brainstorm other “inventors“ for both categories and brainstorm the benefits of their “inventions“ in the same way you did for the first two inventors.

Class discussion:

• Why are both types of inventions needed to be protected by law?
• What are the drawbacks society would face if IP laws did not exist?

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