Advanced Course on Biotechnology and Intellectual Property

Course outline: The course aims to illustrate how you can use the current IP system to protect and commercialize your biotechnological invention. After completing the study of this course, you should be able to develop a sound knowledge of the different legal instruments related to protection of your biotechnology invention and execute a strategy for commercializing your invention.

The course covers the following topics:

• the range and different types of IP rights, 
• the international framework for the protection of IP, 
• how patent law protects biotechnological inventions, 
• the legal requirements and administrative steps for getting a patent for a biotechnological invention, 
• how databases of technical and patent information can help you in research, 
• how to search databases for technical and patent information, 
• how to read, interpret and assess the effect of a patent document, 
• the nature of plant breeder's rights systems, 
• IP as a factor in a research and development, 
• how to negotiate research contracts with commercial partners, and 
• the management and practical use of IP rights, including licensing and enforcement.

One of the aims of the course is to enable you to learn about definitions, and concepts, that are commonly used in the intellectual property field, especially as used by that subgroup of IP professionals who work or "practice" in the biotechnology field. You will find such definitions underlined as you read the course material.

Another aim of the course is to illustrate the dynamic nature of both biotechnology and IP and how the intersection of these two fields is never static. Several players are involved, not just the scientists, the inventor, or the patent agent drafting the application, but also legislators, law enforcement agencies, lawyers, venture capitalists, and technology transfer specialists. Each of these specialists will leave their mark on the field and will add to its ever changing nature.

Target audience: The course assumes that the student has general background in intellectual property law or in biotechnology. It is aimed at a general audience, including scientific researchers, public research institutions, commercial research institutions, businesspeople, industry associations, academics, lawyers, policymakers, officials in government intellectual property offices and individuals with an interest in biotechnology and intellectual property. Part Three (last part of the course), on managing intellectual property, is written mostly from the perspective of researchers in public sector institutions and universities, but should be of interest to other groups in the private sector.

Timeframe: This course involves about 100 hours of study time over a period of 10 weeks. It is offered in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

Fees: List of applicable fees for 2010

Course Schedule 2010:

 

Technical requirements

• A computer connected to the Internet
• Internet Explorer 5 or higher
• Sound card and speakers
• Real Player software
• Adobe Acrobat Reader