Why this class?

I am interested in new technology that change the world and businesses today. Technological advnaces that affect people today are almost always patented. Because no one wants to have their intellectual property used for someone else's profit. So, I want to follow and learn about patents which will in turn teach me about the technologies that could affect todays business world. In particular, how to value these patents.

Additionally, this past winter break I went to Israel where I visited tens of brilliant  high tech companies. They all had patents to protect their products and businesses. Some companies were in the process of battling patent infringements in other countries like China and Korea. So, another thing that I am interested in learning is the big question of how to protect patents internationally and not just nationwide.