INN311 Intellectual property rights

Intangible assets constitute an important part of a company's overall value. Startup companies are often characterized by limited resource access, thus strategic management of IPR (intellectual property rights) can be a source of achieving important business goals and competitive advantages.

The course provides an introduction to intangible assets and rights and emphasizes protection mechanisms for intangible assets (patents, trademarks/domains, design, copyright, know-how/trade secrets) and relevant legislation (trade secrets). Furthermore, the patent system is covered (patentability requirements, the patenting process, patent infringement, freedom to operate, maintenance, and fees).

The course also addresses license agreements and confidentiality agreements, providing students with an knowledge of the strategic use of IPR for startup companies.

Learning Outcomes:

What You Will Learn

Upon completing the course, the student will have the following overall learning outcomes defined in knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The student:

• has good knowledge of and can differentiate between various concepts within intangible assets
• has knowledge of different protection mechanisms and their function in innovation and young companies
• is familiar with the patenting system
• is familiar with how IPR can be strategically managed and used both internally and externally

Skills

The student:

• can identify important intangible assets related to relevant cases
• can critically assess and recommend appropriate IPR management and protection for relevant cases
• can conduct an assessment of various IP strategies and their consequences
• can apply knowledge to design an IP strategy for a startup company

General Competence

The student:

• has the ability to work in interdisciplinary groups
• can think strategically about, and analyse, what contributes to value creation for a company
• has the ability to communicate which economic values intangible rights should protect