Elizabeth I. Winston

Elizabeth I. Winston is a Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Law and Technology Institute at the Columbus School of Law, The Catholic University of America. Since joining in 2006, she has taught Contracts, Patent Law, and Trademarks and Unfair Competition, earning the Outstanding Professor of First Year Classes award from students in 2007 and 2009.

Education:

• J.D., University of Virginia School of Law
• S.B., Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Research Interests: Professor Winston’s scholarship centers on the intersection of law and technology, with a focus on intellectual property law, patent law, trademark law, and contracts. She explores how legal frameworks adapt to technological innovation, particularly in areas like standard-essential patents, patent pledges, and the challenges posed by the digital and space economies.

Her articles reveal a consistent engagement with innovation policy, private ordering, and international trade implications of intellectual property. From analyzing patent boundaries to questioning the patentability of seeds, her work interrogates the balance between incentivizing innovation and ensuring public access.

Scientific Awards & Recognition:

• Outstanding Professor of First Year Classes, Catholic University Columbus School of Law (2007, 2009)

Speaking & Outreach: A frequent speaker at premier venues including the Federal Circuit Judicial Conference, DOJ-FTC-USPTO seminars, and university forums nationwide, she translates complex IP issues for diverse audiences.

Institute Leadership: As Co-Director of the Law and Technology Institute, she helps shape interdisciplinary research and curricular initiatives that bridge law, policy, and emerging technologies.