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Surden, Harry

Professor

Positions

Research Areas research areas

Research

research overview

  • Professor Surden's research focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and law. Recognized as a leading scholar in this field, Prof. Surden is known for originating the concept of 'computable contracts' and for his widely-cited articles on topics such as AI Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, AI ethics and loyalty, computable law, machine learning and law, autonomous systems, as well as related work on patent law, copyright law, and information privacy law. Professor Surden is also the Associate Director of Stanford University's CodeX Center for Legal Informatics, and the Faculty Director of CU's Silicon Flatirons Center's AI Initiative. He brings an interdisciplinary perspective, with a background in both computer science and law. Prior to academia, he worked as a professional software engineer at both Cisco Systems and Bloomberg L.P.

keywords

  • Artificial Intelligence and Law, Generative AI and Law,Machine Learning and Law, Computable Contracts, Computable Law Intellectual property, Patent Law, Copyright Law, Computerized Reasoning, Legal Theory, Law and Technology, Science and the Law, Information Privacy Law, Law and Knowledge Representation, Autonomous Vehicles (Self-Driving Cars)

Publications

selected publications

Teaching

courses taught

  • LAWS 5425 - Torts
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2018 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
    Studies nonconsensual allocation of losses for civil wrongs, focusing primarily on concepts of negligence and strict liability.
  • LAWS 6301 - Introduction to Intellectual Property Law
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
    Provides an overview of our nation's intellectual property laws, including patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets. Discusses other matters related to intellectual property, including licensing, competition policy issues and remedies. Degree credit not granted for this course and TLEN 5245.
  • LAWS 6813 - Problem-Solving, Professional Judgment, and Decision Making
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2020
    Drawing from materials in psychology, behavioral economics, and mathematics, the course studies a range of patterns, fallibilities, and best practices concerning the complex problems commonly encountered by attorneys. Topics include general problem-solving strategies, techniques for operating in environments of uncertainty and complexity, empirically supported cognitive biases and errors, and strategies for recognizing and overcoming those errors.
  • LAWS 7311 - Patent Law
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021
    Covers selected topics, such as patentable subject matter, patentability and utilization of patent rights through licensing and infringement litigation. Covers practice and procedure of the patent and trademark office.
  • LAWS 8321 - Seminar: Computers and Law
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2019 / Spring 2024
    Explores a range of topics surrounding the juxtaposition of computers and law. Most are aware of the impact that law has on computers through the myriad of regulations that govern computers and related technologies. Less well known is the impact that computer technology is having on governance and on the practice of law. Explores both sides of this dynamic interplay between law impacting computing, and computing impacting law.

Background

International Activities

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