Milwaukee, Wis. — Marquette University Law School has announced the addition of Professor Felicia Caponigri, who specializes in the intersections of intellectual property and cultural studies. Her research focuses on the dynamic relationship between culture and intellectual property rights, critically examining how these rights influence public access to cultural expressions. This unique perspective encompasses various topics, including the cultural significance of family heirlooms and current pop culture trends like the color associated with Barbie or Tiffany & Co.
Caponigri’s scholarship delves into a variety of legal issues ranging from trademark conflicts within the fashion industry to the complexities surrounding cultural heritage and art restitution. She emphasizes the role of law in maintaining and reflecting community values. Esteemed for her expertise in Fashion Law, Art Law, and Cultural Heritage Law, her academic pursuits blend legal theory with cultural context.
This fall, Caponigri will teach a course on Trusts & Estates, which she views as pivotal for understanding more than just the financial aspects of inheritance. “Wills, trusts, and inheritance laws express our stories and values, serving as conduits for passing down what matters most to us,” she said. In her classroom, students will engage in discussions about estate planning as both a legal and cultural process, focusing on how legacy shapes individual and communal identities.
Professor Caponigri’s choice to join Marquette stemmed from several influences, including its strong intellectual property faculty and the Jesuit institution’s mission. She has fond memories of visiting Milwaukee during the Festa Italiana with her family, which adds personal significance to her new role. An Italian-American native of South Bend, Indiana, with experiences living in Italy, she aims to infuse her teaching with an international viewpoint. She noted, “From my first visit, it was clear that Marquette Law is a place where intellectual rigor and compassion coexist.”
In her view, the most valuable teaching experiences arise from student engagement and shared insights. She encourages her students to bring their unique perspectives into discussions, noting that inquiries about topics like fashion archives can lead to broader legal conversations, enriching the academic environment.
Caponigri advises students to embrace writing as a fundamental skill for legal professionals. “Legal work isn’t confined to the courtroom. Whether drafting briefs, memos, or even emails, every written communication is an opportunity to articulate and advocate for one’s position,” she explained. She encourages students to follow their interests and step outside their comfort zones, sharing her own transformative experience in discovering intellectual property law.
With a distinguished background in academia, Caponigri has held various roles that attest to her scholarship and leadership capabilities. Previously a Visiting Scholar at Chicago-Kent College of Law, she taught a popular Fashion Law course and later directed the IP & Technology Program at Notre Dame Law School. Her published works have appeared in several law journals, covering a range of pertinent topics. Caponigri has also made contributions to media discussions and has lectured at prominent institutions around the world.
Professor Caponigri earned her Ph.D. in Analysis and Management of Cultural Heritage in Italy. She also holds a magna cum laude J.D. and a cum laude B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, further solidifying her strong educational foundation in both law and cultural studies.
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