Patenting and Technology Transfer
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
This course aims to prepare the students to undertake their future career in the ambit of innovation-oriented industrial enterprises, operating in highly competitive and challenging markets. Furthermore, the course will give the students a good knowledge of the patent system, in Italy and abroad, to enable them to make proper decisions in the Innovation Process (IP).
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of this class, the students are expected to:
- know the patent system from the point of view of the user, so as to learn when it is advisable to patent, when to enforce a patent and what can be expected form a patent.
- understand the general dynamics of the Innovation Process, with particular reference to the nature and roles of the subjects involved in the process, and to the main methods that can be exploited to create value on a socio-economic level, with particular reference to the business model.
- know the patent system from the point of view of the user, so as to learn when it is advisable to patent, when to enforce a patent and what can be expected form a patent.
- understand the general dynamics of the Innovation Process, with particular reference to the nature and roles of the subjects involved in the process, and to the main methods that can be exploited to create value on a socio-economic level, with particular reference to the business model.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Course syllabus
Introduction of the class. Basis of the patent system, concept of invention. Structure of a patent: description and claims. Patentable subject matter. Industrial applicability. Substantial requirements: novelty and the state of the art. Substantial requirements: inventive step. Sufficiency of description. Unity of invention. Claim interpretation and claim drafting: exercises. Patenting procedures: Italy and Europe. Patenting procedures: extension of protection. Paris convention and PCT. European Patent Office: practice and procedures. Concept and examples of prosecution. Opposition and appeal. Patent system in the main national jurisdictions. Patent system in USA. Patenting in life sciences. Patenting biotechnology: the European Directive (work in group). Intellectual property other than patents: designs, trademarks, copyright. Patenting devices: examples and exercises.
Preliminary search as a tool for research. Freedom to Operate (FTO) assessment. Principles of license agreements. Seminar on technology transfer . Seminar on business creation
Preliminary search as a tool for research. Freedom to Operate (FTO) assessment. Principles of license agreements. Seminar on technology transfer . Seminar on business creation
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of chemical principles and methods. Basic principles of law reading.
Teaching methods
Lectures and exercises to be completed in class or at home. Seminars by experts on aspects of contract law, technology transfer, and experiences regarding start-up creation.
Teaching Resources
Lecture slides made available on the Ariel platform.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Preparation of a PowerPoint presentation—either individually or in groups of 2-3 students—on an assigned "Freedom to Operate" project, and a written test with multiple-choice questions. The final grade will be based on the combined results of both assessments.
AGRI-01/A - Agricultural and Food Economics, and Rural Appraisal - University credits: 1
GIUR-01/A - Private Law - University credits: 1
GIUR-02/A - Business Law - University credits: 4
GIUR-01/A - Private Law - University credits: 1
GIUR-02/A - Business Law - University credits: 4
Exercises: 16 hours
Lectures: 40 hours
Lectures: 40 hours