Module 7. Patents and Patent Application

Module 7: Patents and Patent Application

Date of release/last update:          created 15-03-2016, last version 04-12.2017

Authors                

Simone Mangini (UniBo)

Short descriptions

This module aims to provide basic information about the patent system and when an invention can be patentable. Concepts about patentability will be dealt with and several examples about patents in the chemistry field will be provided. The enforcement of patent rights will be also discussed.

Intended learning outcomes        

Learning objectives:

• to understand the basic information about patent system
  
• to understand how to enforce the patent rights
  
• to evaluate how patents may be used 

Learning outcomes:

After completing the learning of this module, students will be able to:

• recognize the basic requirements of patentability;
  
• recognize how the priority right works and can be used;
  
• identify matters that are non eligible for patent protection;
  
• apply the procedures for filing and prosecuting patent applications and of international conventions such as the PCT and the EPC;
  
• recognize the importance of patents
  
• identify how patents may be used

Module structures          

7.1 European legislation, Patentability, Structure of patents, Forensic applications of patents  (2 ECTS)

• Examples of patenting
  
• Patentability
  
• Priority right
  
• Patents in the chemistry field
  
• The European Patent Convention (EPC)
  
• The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
  
• Importance of patenting
  
• Patent litigation
  

Estimated workload        

2 ECTS: 56 hours

Audience              

• Bachelor, Master and PhD students in the life sciences field (e.g. chemistry, biotech, pharmacy etc.)
  
• Managers of private and public companies that deal with innovation
  
• People interested in the field (a technical knowledge in life science would be preferable)
  
• Available languages          
  
• English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Czech, Romanian, Bulgarian, Finnish.