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 "WIPO Intellectual Property Handbook", 2004, available at the WIPO's website, from page 17 to 67, from page 172 to 194, from page 435 to 442;
3. the following articles:

• 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.

For non attending students:
1. textbook "WIPO Intellectual Property Handbook", 2004, available at the WIPO's website, from page 17 to 162, from page 172 to 194, from page 435 to 442;
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,
• 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.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes are held in the first semester according to the calendar and timetable defined by the Department of Economics. The class schedule and classrooms are available at www.easyacademy.unige.it

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.