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The Role of Intellectual Property in the Engineering and Technical Sector
Die Rolle des Geistigen Eigentums im Ingenieurwesen und den technischen Wissenschaften
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:43
Abstract
The lecture gives an overview of the fundamental aspects of intellectual property, which plays an important role in the daily routine of engineers and scientists. The lecture aims to make participants aware of the various methods of protection and to put them in a position to use this knowledge in the workplace.
Objective
In recent years, knowledge about intellectual property has become increasingly important for engineers and scientists. Both in production and distribution and in research and development, they are increasingly being confronted with questions concerning the patenting of technical inventions and the use of patent information. The lecture will acquaint participants with practical aspects of intellectual property and enable them to use the acquired knowledge in their future professional life. Topics covered during the lecture will include: - The importance of innovation in industrialised countries - An overview of the different forms of intellectual property - The protection of technical inventions and how to safeguard their commercialisation - Patents as a source of technical and business information - Practical aspects of intellectual property in day-to-day research, at the workplace and for the formation of start-ups. Case studies will illustrate and deepen the topics addressed during the lecture. The seminar will include practical exercises on how to use and search patent information. Basic knowledge of how to read and evaluate patent documents as well as how to use publicly available patent databases to obtain the required patent information will also be provided.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC , DS , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 40
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Die Rolle des Geistigen Eigentums im Ingenieurwesen und den technischen Wissenschaften |
|
28 h semesterly |
Offered In
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GESS Science in Perspective (Only the topics listed in this paragraph can be chosen as GESS Science in Perspective. Further below you will find the "type B courses Reflections about subject specific methods and content" as well as the language courses. 6 ECTS need to be acquired during the BA and 2 ECTS during the MA Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (Suitable for all students. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
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Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses: Recommended for doctoral, master and bachelor students (after first-year examination only). Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again. These course units are also listed under "Type A", which basically means all students can enroll)
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Electives (This is only a small selection. Other courses from the ETH course catalogue may be chosen. Please consult the "Richtlinien zu Projekten, Praktika, Seminare" (German only), published on our website ( ).)
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Economics, Law and Management Electives (These subjects are particularly suitable for students planning to apply to the Master's Degree Program in Energy Science and Technology (MSc EST) or Management, Technology and Economics (MSc MTEC).)
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Electives (***more courses coming soon*** This is only a short selection. Other courses from the ETH course catalogue may be chosen in agreement with your tutor. As an alternative to the elective courses, students may do a second semester project or an internship in industry. Please consult your tutor.)
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Doctoral Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (More Information at: )