31 Mar COURSERA EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY AND CONSULTING FOR ATTORNEYS
A Coursera expert witness provides testimony and expertise in legal cases involving the online education service that offers courses, specializations, and degrees across a wide range of subjects. Testifying consultants help clarify issues related to online education, intellectual property, licensing agreements, and consumer rights as leading Coursera expert witness providers.
1. Intellectual Property (IP) Disputes
The business collaborates with universities, instructors, and content creators to offer various online courses and learning materials. A Coursera expert witness would assess IP-related issues, such as copyright, patent, or trademark disputes. Relevant products in these cases could include:
Coursera’s online courses (e.g., “Machine Learning” by Stanford)
Specialized degree programs (e.g., Data Science degree from the University of Michigan)
Course content and materials (videos, reading materials, quizzes)
Coursera mobile apps (iOS and Android)
Coursera’s platform design and user interface
2. Contract and Licensing Disputes
The firm also enters into contracts with universities, instructors, and corporations to offer educational content. Disputes may arise over licensing terms, revenue sharing, or contract performance. Top Coursera expert witnesses review and clarify the terms of these agreements. Products involved might include:
Course development agreements with universities (e.g., University of California, Berkeley)
Specialization and certificate programs
Corporate learning programs (e.g., Coursera for Business)
Licensing deals with content creators for online courses
Partnerships with higher education institutions for degree programs
3. Consumer Protection and Liability Cases
In consumer protection cases, your typical Coursera expert witness would evaluate whether it adheres to consumer protection laws, such as clear pricing and cancellation policies. Products relevant to these cases could include:
Coursera subscription models (e.g., Coursera Plus)
Refund and cancellation policies for courses and programs
Certification and accreditation verification for online courses
Learner support systems (e.g., discussion forums, Q&A)
Terms and conditions of using Coursera’s platform
4. Antitrust and Competition Cases
And the firm may face antitrust scrutiny in cases involving market competition or pricing strategies. A Coursera expert witness evaluates whether its practices negatively impact competition in the online education market. Products involved in these cases include:
Coursera’s pricing strategies for certifications and degree programs
Subscription models (e.g., Coursera Plus)
Partnerships with universities and institutions for exclusive content
Online course bundling and promotional offers
Competition with other online learning platforms (e.g., edX, Udemy)
5. Technology and Patent Infringement Cases
As a technology-driven service, it could be involved in patent infringement cases related to its online learning technologies. A Coursera expert witness evaluates whether systems infringe on patents held by others. Example products in these cases include:
Coursera’s course delivery platform
Interactive learning features (e.g., peer assessments)
Video streaming technology for courses
Learning management systems (LMS) used for tracking student progress
AI-powered recommendations for course suggestions