Inaugural Engineering Class Explores the Intersection of Law and Innovation
The Legal Aspects of Electrical and Computer Engineering course taught by ECE Teaching Professor Julius Marpaung concluded with two exceptional final presentations that exemplified the program’s commitment to interdisciplinary excellence and real-world relevance. Through rigorous analysis and compelling discussion, students demonstrated their ability to navigate the complex legal challenges shaping today’s technology landscape.
Team 1 (bottom right), consisting of wireless and network engineering graduate students Soniya Nitin Kadam, MS’25, and Sneha Sugilal, MS’25, presented a detailed examination of a high-profile intellectual property dispute between Cisco Systems, Inc. and K. Mizra, LLC, centered on the validity of U.S. Patent No. 8,234,705. Their work explored whether the patent reflects a genuine technological breakthrough or an aggregation of established security techniques, showcasing strong critical thinking, legal insight, and technical understanding.
Team 2 (bottom left), represented by Vishal Ladda, MS’26, electrical and computer engineering, addressed one of the most pressing questions in modern technology law: Can courts keep pace with rapid innovation? By analyzing real cases in which century-old intellectual property laws were applied to twenty-first-century technologies, Vishal highlighted the growing gap between legal frameworks and technological progress, offering thoughtful insights into the future of technology regulation.
These presentations underscore the course’s emphasis on experiential learning, analytical rigor, and the development of future engineers who are not only technically proficient but also legally informed and industry-ready.
About EECE 5698: Special Topic: Introduction to Legal Aspects in Electrical and Computer Engineering
The integration of legal and intellectual property education into our ECE curriculum represents a progressive commitment to developing well-rounded engineers. By pairing rigorous technical training with essential knowledge of patent law, trademark protection, and regulatory compliance, Northeastern equips students with the comprehensive skill set demanded in today’s technology sector.
The course masterfully covers essential topics, from intellectual property and software patents to Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethics and data privacy. Northeastern’s dedication to incorporating these legal dimensions transforms students into informed professionals capable of navigating complex technological landscapes while protecting their innovations.
A huge part of this success is due to the expert guidance of Marpaung, whose industry knowledge and engaging approach demystify the law for engineers. We’re proud to see this course thriving and equipping our students with the confidence to not only build the future but also to navigate it legally and ethically.