Course Topics
The seminar examines international legal issues relevant to contemporary art and design. It focuses on the main types of intellectual property rights (IPRs) relevant to these fields, covering aspects from creation and ownership to limitations, licences, exploitation and enforcement. The course also explores the legal implications of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), metaverses, 3D printing, digital art, blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Students will gain insight into current and emerging legislation and practical strategies for leveraging their creations and avoiding common pitfalls, particularly in the international arena. The focus will be primarily on EU law, with particular attention to Italy, Germany and Austria, but other key jurisdictions within and outside the EU, in particular the US und UK, will also be considered.

Propaedeutic courses
none

Teaching format
The seminar will use a lecture-based approach, integrating case-based learning to facilitate a practical understanding of the topics covered. In addition, a workshop on an international intellectual property (IP) agreement will be conducted, focusing on legal and commercial issues that should be considered when negotiating such an agreement.

Educational objectives
The seminar “International Legal Issues in a Contemporary Art and Design Context” will provide useful job-related knowledge corresponding to the above course description. Both in the creation and in the realization and exploitation of their works, artists and designers are holders of rights, but they are also subject to obligations and restrictions. Intellectual property rights (IPRs) are the substantive legal basis of creative activity. IPRs from a dynamic point of view are directly concerned with issues of contract law and matters of enforcement or defense of claims (procedural law). The course is intended to provide a general introduction to all the essential areas of law to which artists and designers are exposed.

Assessment
Written exam consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions, 15 of which are open-ended.

Evaluation criteria
A minimum of 60% correct answers is required to pass the exam.