University and Lecturer Call a Truce Over Course Content
We previously reported on Boghraty v. Trustees of Boston University on November 18, 2024. The case involved a copyright dispute brought by Babak Boghraty (“Boghraty”) against Boston University (“the University”) over the alleged continued use of his course materials following the end of his teaching engagement.
On October 29, 2024, Judge William G. Young entered a Settlement Order of Dismissal, noting that the case had been settled and dismissing it without costs, while allowing a 30 day window for reinstatement if the settlement fell through. That window came and went quietly.
On November 8, 2024, both parties filed a Stipulation of Dismissal with Prejudice, confirming that the settlement was finalized and that the case was permanently closed, with each side agreeing to bear its own costs.
The Complaint initially alleged that Boston University’s course JD 918: Compliance and Risk Management in Global Commerce incorporated Boghraty’s original syllabus and materials without permission. The University denied the allegations, asserting that the content qualified as a “work for hire” under the Copyright Act, making the University the rightful owner.
While the terms of the settlement were not made public, the resolution wraps up a brief but meaningful dispute about ownership of educational materials in higher education. It’s a quiet conclusion to a case that highlighted an ongoing tension in academia: who truly owns what’s taught in the classroom?