Molly Shaffer Van Houweling

Molly Shaffer Van Houweling is the Harold C. Hohbach Distinguished Professor of Patent Law and Intellectual Property at Berkeley Law, University of California, Berkeley. She also serves as Co-Director of the Berkeley Center for Law & Technology. Her roles include Associate Reporter for the American Law Institute’s Copyright Restatement and Adviser for the Property Restatement. Previously, she was Associate Dean for J.D. Curriculum & Teaching at Berkeley Law (2015–2022).

Education: B.A. from the University of Michigan (1994), J.D. from Harvard Law School (1998). Clerkships included Judge Michael Boudin (U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit) and Justice David H. Souter (U.S. Supreme Court).

Research focuses on intellectual property’s intersection with technology, property law, and food law. Key themes include copyright’s role in digital environments, doctrinal frameworks from tangible property, and innovation policy. Her work bridges legal theory with practical applications in emerging technologies.

Recognized for teaching excellence with awards like the campus-wide 2020 Extraordinary Teaching in Extraordinary Times Award and the 2022 Rutter Award for Teaching Distinction. Engaged with organizations such as Creative Commons (Advisory Council) and Authors Alliance (founding Director).

Contributions include advising on curriculum reform, intellectual property policy, and interdisciplinary legal scholarship. Active in shaping academic programs at Berkeley Law and national legal institutions.