Frontiers in intellectual property governance

This course examines the international framework for IP protection, from the Paris Convention to the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement). It further analyses WTO disputes over intellectual property rights (IPR) and provides an overview of regional patent and trademark systems as well as of the treatment of IPRs in latest generation preferential trade agreements. The course further explores the main economic principles of innovation and IP protection. Participants will gain an insight into the complex relationship of IP with public health, new technologies, competition policies, and investment. The course draws particular attention to frontier issues such as IP enforcement, counterfeiting and piracy as well as IP protection in the digital environment.

Course leader

Cyrill Rigamonti, University of Bern; Felix Addor and fellow experts, Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property

Target group

We accept individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree in law, economics or political science, or in an unrelated field supplemented by relevant working experience. Participants are expected to have a strong command of English and should be ready to read a large amount of material in English both prior to and during the Summer Academy.

Course aim

The WTI Summer Academy covers cutting-edge issues in investment and trade law and policy. It is designed for private and public sector and civil society professionals as well as higher-education students. In lectures, discussions and case studies, renowned experts will teach you how to blend the policy aspects of trade and investment with thorough legal interpretation and economic analysis. Becoming a part of the WTI community, you will establish valuable contacts with fellow-minded professionals and lecturers.

Credits info

3 EC
To obtain 3 ECTS the participants have to pass the final exam. Otherwise they’ll receive a “Certificate of Attendance”.
Summer Academy courses can be attended in a flexible, 'à la carte' manner. Modules can also lead to a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) or a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in International Law and Economics. A DAS can be awarded after obtaining 30 ECTS (around 8 weeks of course work plus a scientific research paper) and a CAS after obtaining 12 ECTS (around 3 weeks of course work plus a scientific research paper).

Fee info

CHF 1800: Tuition for one week is 1,800 Swiss francs. Participants who attend for three weeks and complete a scientific paper to obtain a Certicate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in International Law and Economics will receive a discounted rate of 5,000 Swiss francs. Those who complete the full eight weeks plus a scientific research paper to obtain a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in International Law and Economics will receive a further discount and pay 12,000 Swiss francs.
Payment must be made in Swiss francs. Due to the limited number of places, payment is due upon acceptance to the programme. Please note that the above fees do not cover other costs such as meals, housing or local transportation. Special rates apply to students registered at the University of Bern. A 50% tuition waiver is applicable to participants affiliated with the UNCTAD Virtual Institute (university staff and students and think tank members, with proof of institutional affiliation and/or registration). For detailed information, please visit the UNCTAD VI website.