Dr. Theriault’s research focuses on the role of the concept of possession in structuring legal and social relations. This includes all facets of its structural significance in real property law, e.g., the development of servitude law, and the historical evolution of the common law forms of action; as well as its relevance to modern intangible property regimes, such as the first sale doctrine in copyright law. Her doctoral thesis, A User Innovation Theory of the Numerus Clausus, which examined the role of possession in fostering both high-tech and low-tech innovation, was jointly awarded the Alan Marks Medal for best graduate thesis.
