Course Topics
The seminar examines international legal issues that matter for contemporary art and design. It focuses on the main types of intellectual property rights (IPRs) relevant to these fields, from creation and ownership to limitations, licences, exploitation and enforcement. It also covers related areas of growing practical importance for artists and designers, including privacy and data protection as well as consumer protection and greenwashing. A separate part of the course 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 upcoming legislation, along with practical guidance for leveraging their creations and avoiding common pitfalls, particularly in the international arena. The main focus will be on EU law, with particular attention to Italy, Germany and Austria, but other key jurisdictions within and outside the EU, especially the US und UK, will also be considered.

Propaedeutic courses
none

Teaching format
The seminar follows a lecture-based approach, combined with case-based learning to give students a practical understanding of the topics covered. The discussion and analysis of, and work on, a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and an international IP licence agreement will further foster a practical understanding of the legal and commercial issues to be considered when negotiating such agreements.

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, 5 of which are open-ended.

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