OVERVIEW

Intellectual proprerty has gained a pivotal role in data economy and algorithmic innovation. This course explores the norms and contractual solutions pertaining to intellectual and industrial property (i.e. copyright, patents, trade secrets) and the further areas of the immaterial (i.e. personal and non-personal data). These topics are analyzed under the perspective of innovative processes implemented through the use of algorithmic resources.

The course is taught entirely in English

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course will analyze the different legal instruments that are meant protect and manage immaterial resources: i.e. trade secrets, patents, copyright, database, and personal data law. Such legal tools, and their contractual settings, will be applied to draw business strategies in the fields of data and algorithmic applications

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The learning outcomes of this course include:

- the acquisition of specific knowledge of the subjects covered with reference to national and European legislation,

- the acquisition of theoretical and practical skills relating to the contractual arrangements that companies can adopt in the management of immaterial and algorithmic resources,

- the acquisition of expository and dialectical skills in the legal fields.

PREREQUISITES

A basic knowledge of the English language is required. Students are strongly encouraged to consider the language of the course as an opportunity to acquire specific linguistic skills that are typical of the data economy.

TEACHING METHODS

The course is organized through frontal lessons with an interactive method that requires an active participation of the class. Attendance is not mandatory but highly suggested. 

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Prof. Serena Scotto (scotto@economia.unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction to the discipline of the immaterial in the algorithmic age

Copyright in traditional sectors

Software protection

The protection of databases

Copyright and artificial intelligence

Patents

Inventions in the chemical and biotechnological sectors

Inventions and algorithms

Trade secrets

The regulation of personal data

Contracts for the circulation and aggregation of intangible assets

Contracts for the exploitation of algorithmic resources

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

For attending students:
1. lesson notes;
2. textbook "Lineamenti di diritto industriale", CEDAM, 2024, from page 373 to 411, from page 421 to 459, from page 471 to 484, from page 497 to 610;
3. one article from the followings:

• Robert Merges, A New Dynamism in the Public Domain, available at https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=558751,
• Robert Merges, Merges From Medieval Guilds to Open Source Software: Informal Norms, Appropriability Institutions, and Innovation, available at https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=661543,
• Pamela Samuelson, Suzanne Scotchmer, The Law & Economics of Revrse Enrgineering available at linkhttps://people.ischool.berkeley.edu/~pam/papers/l&e%20reveng3.pdf,
• Andrea Ottolia, Il governo dell'algoritmo, in AIDA 2022, pag. 301 ss.

For non attending students:
1. textbook "Lineamenti di diritto industriale", CEDAM, 2024, from page 373 to 411, from page 421 to 459, from page 471 to 484, from page 497 to 610;
2.  the following articles:

• Robert Merges, A New Dynamism in the Public Domain, available at https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=558751,
• Pamela Samuelson, Suzanne Scotchmer, The Law & Economics of Revrse Enrgineering available at linkhttps://people.ischool.berkeley.edu/~pam/papers/l&e%20reveng3.pdf,
• Andrea Ottolia, Il governo dell'algoritmo, in AIDA 2022, pag. 301 ss.

3. Andrea Ottolia, Big Data e innovazione computazionale, pagine da 43 a 90, da 143 a 152, da 221 a 295, disponibile sul sito www.andreaottolia.it.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ANDREA OTTOLIA (President)

RAFFAELE FRANCESCO ALESSANDRO SERVANZI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The lessons will be held on the I semester and will start on September 23rd, 2024.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exams will be held exclusively in oral form and in English

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The assessment of the acquired knowledge and skills will take place in the following ways:

- punctual questions on regulatory rules or on cases deriving from practice,

- solution to practical problems relating to disputes or contractual arrangements.

The exam method enhances the argumentative ability and the property of language through a dialectical method.

Exam schedule