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Brief Description
Executive Diploma in Intellectual Property, Innovation and Commercialization
“Turn your inventions into assets-a 120-day intensive program for innovation leaders".
120-DAY COURSE:
Course Aim: To equip researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and IP professionals with a thorough understanding of intellectual property rights, their strategic management, and their role in fostering innovation and commercialization
Overview
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Course Description
Target Audience:
ü University researchers and academics
ü R&D professionals
ü Start-up founders and entrepreneurs
ü Technology transfer office staff
ü Legal and IP consultants
ü Policy makers in innovation ecosystems
Delivery Mode: 100% Online modules
Duration: 120 days (approx. 15 weeks)
TEACHING METHODOLOGY
- Interactive Lectures: Delivered by IP experts
- Case-Based Learning: Real-world IP cases from Africa and beyond
- Practical Workshops: Drafting patent claims, conducting trademark searches, negotiating licenses
- Group Projects: Developing an IP portfolio or commercialization plan
- Online Resources: Access to patent databases, and simulation tools
ASSESSMENT & CERTIFICATION
- Continuous Assessment: Quizzes, assignment submissions (20%)
- Group Project: IP strategy report and presentation (40%)
- Final Exam: Multiple-choice and scenario-based questions (40%)
Course Outline
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
MODULE 1: FOUNDATIONS OF IP & INNOVATION (Weeks 1–3)
Week 1: Introduction to IP Systems
ü History and evolution of IP
ü Types of IP: Patents, Copyright, Trademarks, Trade Secrets, Industrial Designs
ü National, regional, and international IP frameworks (WIPO, ARIPO, TRIPS, etc.)
Week 2: IP and Innovation Ecosystems
ü Role of IP in research, development, and commercialization
ü University IP policies and innovation strategies
ü Case studies: IP-driven innovation in Africa and globally
Week 3: IP Governance and Ethics
ü Ethical considerations in IP protection
ü IP and public interest
ü Governance models in academia and industry
MODULE 2: PATENTS IN DEPTH (Weeks 4–6)
Week 4: Patent Fundamentals
ü What is a patent? Utility models vs. petty patents
ü Patentable subject matter and eligibility criteria
Week 5: Patent Prosecution and Management
ü Filing procedures: national (PACRA) and international (ARIPO, PCT)
ü Examination process: formality and substantive
ü Patent landscaping and IPC classification
Week 6: Patent Strategy and Enforcement
ü Duration, maintenance, and renewal
ü Infringement, enforcement, and remedies
ü Licensing and cross-border patent strategies
MODULE 3: COPYRIGHT AND RELATED RIGHTS (Weeks 7–9)
Week 7: Copyright Basics
ü Subsistence, ownership, and duration
ü Economic vs. moral rights
ü Copyright in digital and creative economies
Week 8: Copyright Management and Licensing
ü Collective management organizations (CMOs)
ü Open access, Creative Commons, and fair use
ü Case study: Copyright in academic publishing
Week 9: International Copyright Frameworks
ü Berne Convention, WIPO Copyright Treaty
ü National copyright laws and reforms
ü Copyright disputes and resolution mechanisms
MODULE 4: TRADEMARKS, GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS & TRADE SECRETS (Weeks 10–12)
Week 10: Trademark Law and Practice
ü Registrable vs. non-registrable marks
ü Filing, examination, and opposition
ü Trademark enforcement and anti-counterfeiting
Week 11: Geographical Indications and Brand Protection
ü GIs in agricultural and cultural products
ü Link between trademarks and GIs
ü Case study: African GIs (e.g., coffee, tea, crafts)
Week 12: Trade Secrets and Confidential Information
ü Definition and protection mechanisms
ü NDAs and confidentiality agreements
ü Trade secrets vs. patents: strategic choices
MODULE 5: IP COMMERCIALIZATION & TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (Weeks 13–15)
Week 13: IP Valuation and Exploitation
ü Methods of IP valuation
ü Licensing models and negotiation
ü IP in mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures
Week 14: Technology Transfer in Practice
ü Setting up and managing a TTO
ü Spin-offs, start-ups, and university-industry collaboration
ü IP audits and due diligence
Week 15: Capstone Project and Certification
ü Participants develop an IP strategy for a real or simulated innovation
ü Final presentation to panel of experts