Frontiers in intellectual property governance

About

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.

Fee info