IP and Life Sciences

Full course description

This module covers validation of knowledge and strategic use of patents in the life sciences. This entails an analysis of validity and infringement of patents covering pharmaceuticals or biotechnological inventions, as well as an introduction to drafting issues for such patents. 

The module will address the following questions: 

• What are the current innovations in the life sciences? 
• What is the nature of bench science and its relationship to technology and product?
• How do these developments fit with Industrial Revolution IP? An overview
• What is the information and knowledge that has to be managed, and is this done effectively and consistently?
• What are the pressure points in Intellectual Property caused by Developments in the Life Sciences? 
• The ‘morality clause’ - what is the place of morality in life science IP?
• Invention or Discovery?
• Artificial Maintenance of Patent Monopolies
• The interrelationship between commercial and personal data
• What are the international challenges to IP and the Life Sciences, particularly Gene Patenting?

Taught by: Dr. René Raggers (AOMB) and Prof. Meir Pugatch (UM).

Assessment:

1)    This course is graded on the following basis:

a)    Written exam - 60% of final mark

b)    Written and/or role play assignment(s) - 40% of final mark