Legal framework for software and Data

This module provides an overview of key Intellectual Property (IP) rights and their role in protecting innovation and business assets. Topics include industrial and intellectual property law, prior art searches, patents and utility models, copyright protection, software protection strategies, trade secrets, and the main types of licensing agreements, with a focus on their scope, limitations, and enforcement in commercial and technological contexts.

Key topics

• Fundamentals of Industrial Property and Intellectual Property Law;
• Patents, Utility Models and Copyright Protection;
• Software Protection: Patents vs. Copyright;
• Intellectual Property Licensing Strategies;
• Trade Secrets and Confidential Information Protection;
• IP Enforcement and Risk Management;  

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the main categories of intellectual property rights and their commercial relevance;
• Assess the most appropriate protection mechanisms for software and digital technologies;
• Evaluate different licensing models;
• Understand the role of trade secrets and confidential information in protecting innovation;
• Identify common IP risks and enforcement mechanisms;