C8499 - Intellectual Property Management

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have acquired a thorough understanding of the main intellectual property rights and the main forms of intellectual property protection specific to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Students will also acquire analytical knowledge of the costs and benefits of intellectual property and will be able to develop strategies for managing intellectual property rights. Furthermore, students will be able to advise public and private entities on how to protect their research results and how research activities should be organized to avoid infringing the intellectual property rights held by others.

Course contents

The course introduces the principles of innovation management and examines the role of intellectual property in the management and valorization of research outcomes in the life sciences sector. It explores the pathway from scientific discovery to the development and commercialization of new technologies, highlighting the strategic role of intellectual property in innovation processes.

The course covers the main intellectual property protection mechanisms, with particular emphasis on patents in biotechnology, appropriability strategies, patent searching, and technology transfer processes. It also addresses licensing strategies, the creation of innovative start-ups and spin-offs, business models, and the main funding mechanisms supporting innovation.

Through the analysis of real-world case studies and the development of an applied group project, students will gain an integrated understanding of intellectual property management and its role in transforming research outcomes into innovation with economic and societal impact.

Readings/Bibliography

Main textbook

Schilling, M.A., Strategic Management of Technological Innovation. McGraw-Hill (latest available edition).

Additional reading materials

Throughout the course, students will be provided with selected scientific articles, business cases, and reports from international organizations covering topics related to innovation management, intellectual property, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship in the life sciences.

Teaching methods

The course combines lectures, case study discussions, project-based learning activities, and seminars delivered by experts from the biotechnology and intellectual property sectors.

Throughout the semester, students will work in teams to develop an applied project focused on the analysis and commercialization strategy of an innovative technology in the life sciences.

Active participation through case discussions, group work, and project presentations is an integral part of the learning experience.

Assessment methods

Assessment is based on both a group project and an individual final examination.

• Group project (60%): Students will develop and present a project focused on the management of intellectual property and the commercialization of an innovative technology in the life sciences sector.
• Individual final examination (40%): The final exam consists of multiple-choice and open-ended questions designed to assess students' understanding of the concepts and competencies developed throughout the course

Teaching tools

All teaching materials will be made available through the University's Virtuale learning platform.

Office hours

See the website of Azzurra Meoli