University of Colorado Professor Patty Limerick has emerged victorious in her intellectual property lawsuit against the Boulder campus. The esteemed historian of the American West had alleged that the university restricted her access to decades worth of her documents and materials after removing her as director of the Center for the American West in 2022.
CU Boulder has repeatedly denied limiting Limerick’s access to her scholarly material, emphasizing that she remains a tenured history professor at the institution. However, Limerick’s attorney, Stan Garnett, stated in a news release that the university’s actions over the past two years diminished her authority in advocating for the university. He expressed Limerick’s relief and happiness in being able to return to the public sphere and continue voicing her gratitude to the faculty and students of the University of Colorado.
In her lawsuit filed in May, Limerick sought ownership of her scholarly work and intellectual property, arguing that the university impeded her access through a technicality. CU Boulder spokesperson Nicole Mueksch reiterated the university’s stance that Limerick was not prevented from accessing her work, emphasizing her value as a tenured faculty member.
The settlement reached between CU and Limerick includes a provision for the university to pay $50,000 towards Limerick’s attorney fees. Additionally, Limerick, Garnett, and an associate attorney will be granted physical access to offices and storage areas in the Center for the American West for an eight-hour period to identify and inventory works belonging to Limerick. A forensic expert will also be enlisted to review and catalog a Google Drive of material, with any disputes to be addressed collaboratively between CU and Limerick.
Limerick expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the settlement, highlighting the importance of having the resources to defend her rights in academia. She underscored her concern for others in higher education who may not have the means to resist similar challenges.
The resolution of this lawsuit marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute between Limerick and CU Boulder, paving the way for a renewed focus on academic collaboration and scholarship. As Limerick continues her work as a prominent historian and educator, the university has affirmed its support for her current and future academic endeavors, including the Applied History Initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of historians.
This article was originally published on January 15, 2025 at 5:56 PM MST. Stay informed about Colorado news by subscribing to the Mile High Roundup email newsletter.
