New course on Comparative Information, Communication and Technology Law

Comparative Information, Communication and Technology Law [25944]
Thomas Margoni (University of Amsterdam – Ivir) – Paolo Guarda (University of Trento)

Learning Goals:
The objective of course is to enable students to apply their critical knowledge and skills in the issues analyzed during the course


Programme:
Information is a characterizing element of modern societies. It is ubiquitous in a time where almost everything can be transformed into bits thanks to digital and telecommunication technologies. Information constitutes a fundamental asset for governments and corporations, and at the same time its free flow is a fundamental right recognized by the e.g. European Convention on Human Rights. The plurality of information’s functions has traditionally favored a fragmentary approach to the study of its legal protection. This course will offer the possibility to students to confront a selected number of highly contentious issues in the field of Information, Communication, and Technology law from a Comparative perspective. The structure of the course is based on dedicated seminars held by the instructors and by invited guest speakers
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In particular the course will cover the following topics: 

  • Copyright law and information (access to knowledge, reuse of knowledge)
  • Patent law and information (software, biotech, methods)
  • Design law and information (protection of shapes, 3D printing and open design) 
  • Internet and information (Internet and freedom of expression) 
  • Privacy and information (data protection, privacy in communications) 
  • Internet liability and information (e-Commerce directive, safe harbors and secondary liability) 
  • Contracts and information (proprietary licenses, free and open software, open access licenses)

The course will start on March 25 (to May 7); lessons will be held four times per week from Monday to Thursday.

Participation in class is mandatory.