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535-0546-00L 1 Credits DR , MSC D-CHAB , D-MAVT
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Patents

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Alfred Koepf, Dr. Christian Ebner
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:57

Abstract

Knowledge in the field of intellectual property, especially of patents and trademarks, with particular emphasis on pharmaceutics.Introduction into intellectual property; prosecution of patent applications; patent information; exploitation and enforcement of patents; peculiarities in pharmaceutics and medicine.

Objective

Students can apply principles of patent law to identify and navigate intellectual property risks in research as well as to avoid common pitfalls. They can evaluate intellectual property documents to judge their relevance and extract crucial information. Students know the requirements for patent protection and the peculiarities in life sciences.

Content

1. Introduction into industrial property (patents, trademarks, industrial designs); 2. Prosecution of patent applications (patentability); 3. Patent information (patent publications, databases, searches); 4. Exploitation and enforcement of patents (possibilities of exploitation, licenses, parallel imports, scope of protection, patent infringement); 5. Peculiarities in pharmaceutics and medicine (supplementary protection certificates, experimental use exemption, therapy and diagnosis, medical indication); 6. Social, political and ethical aspects (patents and prices for medicinal products,), Case study on the application of what has been learned; 7. Trademarks, types of trademarks, grounds for refusal, peculiarities of pharma-trademarks.

Resources

Lecture Notes

A script is provided in electronic form during the lecture.

Literature

- Swiss Patents Act: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19540108/index.html - Swiss Trademarks Act: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19920213/index.html - Swiss Industrial-Designs Act: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/20000457/index.html - European Patent Convention: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/epc/2010/e/ma1.html - Patent Cooperation Treaty: http://www.wipo.int/pct/en/texts/articles/atoc.htm - Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property: https://www.ige.ch/en.html - European Patent Office: http://www.epo.org/index.html - World Intellectual Property Organization: http://www.wipo.int/portal/index.html.en

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Patents
  • Wed 09:45-11:30 (HIL E 8)
1 h weekly

Offered In