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Intellectual Property: Introduction
Geistiges Eigentum: Eine Einführung
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:02
Abstract
The course provides an introduction to Swiss and European intellectual property law (trademarks, copyright, patent and design rights). The legal principles are developed based on current cases.
Objective
The aim of this course is to enable students at ETH Zurich to recognize which rights may protect their creations, and which rights may be infringed as a result of their activities. Students should learn to assess the risks and opportunities of intellectual property rights in the development and marketing of new products. To put them in this position, they need to know the prerequisites and scope of protection afforded by the various intellectual property rights as well as the practical difficulties involved in the enforcement of intellectual property rights. This knowledge is imparted based on current rulings and cases. Another goal is to enable the students to participate in the current debate over the goals and desirability of protecting intellectual creations, particularly in the areas of copyright (keywords: fair use, Creative Commons, Copyleft) and patent law (software patents, patent trolls, patent thickets).
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC , DS , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Geistiges Eigentum: Eine Einführung |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses. Particularly relevant for students interested in those subjects. All these courses are also listed under the category “Typ A”, and every student can enroll in these courses.)
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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 (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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Doctorate Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (More Information at: )