97404 - Economics of Intellectual Property

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have acquired an in-depth understanding of the main intellectual property rights. In particular, they will be familiar with the principal forms of intellectual property protection used in the biotechnology sector and the procedures for obtaining such protection. Particular emphasis is placed on the specific forms of protection applicable to the biotechnology sector, as well as on policies and strategies for extending patent terms in this field.

Students will also develop an analytical understanding of the economic costs and benefits of intellectual property and will be able to form their own views on the advantages and limitations of intellectual property as a mechanism for incentivizing research.

Furthermore, students will be able to develop strategies for managing intellectual property rights both within public research laboratories and private companies operating in the biotechnology sector, including, for example, licensing agreements and the creation of spin-offs.

Finally, students will be able to advise public and private organizations on how to protect the results of their research and how research activities should be organized to avoid infringing intellectual property rights held by third parties.

Course contents

The Economics and Management of Intellectual Property course aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the key issues involved in the development of solutions in the life sciences sector and the related industrial property rights. The course focuses on the role of industrial property, its valorization and exploitation in technological development processes, with particular reference to the life sciences sector.

In addition, the course aims to provide students with an overview of the main stakeholders involved in the development of a life sciences product, including direct insights and testimonials from Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), venture capital firms, and other relevant stakeholders.

Readings/Bibliography

• Shilling, M. (2017), “Gestione dell’innovazione” McGraw-Hill.
• Eric Ries (2011) “The Lean Startup” Crown Business
• The Entrepreneur’s Guide to a Biotech Startup

https://www.ctsi.ucla.edu/researcher-resources/files/view/docs/EGBS4_Kolchinsky.pdf

• John Carreyrou “Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup” Knoft publishing, winner of the 2018 Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award

• Serie TV “The Dropout” – 8 puntate https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10166622/
• Documentario HBO “The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley”
• Elizabeth Holmes: The 'Valley of Hype' behind the rise and fall of Theranos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to2GSibbrv0

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures, sessions dedicated to the discussion of case studies, and in-depth seminars. The course is designed to encourage interaction and discussion in the classroom. Students are encouraged to attend all classes.

Assessment methods

Assessment will be based on a group project and an individual final examination.

Teaching tools

Slide

Office hours

See the website of Lavinia Capuana

See the website of Clarissa Ceruti