This course discusses the principal role and main characteristics of intellectual property rights in the context of the regulation of international trade in an emerging global creative economy. Taking into account the rise of a knowledge-based economy, which was accompanied by a rise in creativity, culture and technology, it covers the history and present status quo of the main intellectual property rights, such as copyright, trademarks, patents, geographical indications, and designs. The key international treaties, such as the Berne and Paris Conventions and notably the TRIPS Agreement adopted under the aegis of the World Trade Organization (WTO) will also be analyzed.

CILO-1: Students will be able to describe the fundamental traits of intellectual property rights and their legal framework, including copyright, trademarks, patents, and geographical indications. CILO-2: Students will be able to relate the protection of intellectual property, the functioning and development of cultural and creative industries constituting the global creative economy. CILO-3: Students will be able to assess the role of the intellectual property rights both in terms of their efficient protection and manifold infringements through piracy and counterfeiting. CILO-4: Students will be able to discuss the challenges posed by new technologies to intellectual property law, with reference to several areas where regulatory dilemmas have been identified, and to undertake independent research for a critical essay.