Robert Brauneis

Robert Brauneis serves as the Michael J. McKeon Professor of Intellectual Property Law at George Washington University Law School, where he also co-directs both the Intellectual Property Law Program and the Dean Dinwoodey Center for Intellectual Property Studies. He is a member of the Managing Board of the Munich Intellectual Property Law Center and a Trustee of the Copyright Society of the USA.

His educational background includes a BA from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a JD magna cum laude from Harvard Law School. Professional experience includes clerkships with Judge Stephen G. Breyer (now Justice Breyer) and Justice David H. Souter, plus service as Assistant Corporation Counsel for Chicago.

• Copyright Law
• Trademark Law
• Intellectual Property Policy
• Constitutional Law
• Property Law

Brauneis' scholarly publications demonstrate deep historical analysis of copyright concepts, particularly regarding the evolution of originality requirements in news copyright and the complex ownership history of the 'Happy Birthday to You' song. His 2009 works established foundational research that later influenced copyright litigation. Recent media appearances through 2025 show his continued relevance in contemporary debates about AI-generated content and copyright enforcement.

• Inaugural Abraham L. Kaminstein Scholar in Residence at the United States Copyright Office (2013-2014)
• Former President of the Giles S. Rich American Inn of Court

Professor Brauneis maintains active engagement with copyright policy through his trustee role at the Copyright Society of the USA and media commentary on emerging intellectual property challenges. His research has directly influenced copyright litigation, particularly regarding the historical claims to the 'Happy Birthday' song. He has advised government entities including the United States Copyright Office through his Kaminstein residency.