Welcome & Introduction

Introduction to the Topics in the Course 

• Why software & data are different
• Course outline

Intellectual Property (IP) Primer and Introduction to Different Technology Protections

• Patents
• Copyrights
• Trademarks and trade secrets
• Data

Strategy for Managing Different Types of Technology Assets

• Software intake forms
• Assessment tools
• Patent filing strategies- e.g. when to file a patent
• Nonexclusive vs. exclusive licensing
• How to license multiple IP types together (eg software, patents, hardware, etc.)

Anatomy of a Software License Agreement

• Details of software license agreements
• Differences between software vs. traditional patent licenses
• Important clauses specifically related to software

Lunch Break

Preparing for a License Negotiation

• Best practices
• Process steps
• Overcoming sticking points
• Establishing long term relationships

Open-Source Licensing and Issues

• Introduction to the commonly used licenses
• OSS license compatibility/nuances
• Dual-licensing strategies
• Research publication requirements

Afternoon Break

Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) Licensing

• Introduction AI concepts, including Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Strategies for dealing with AI innovations

The Importance of Data as a Digital Asset 

• Different data types
• Nuances of data, including ownership and usage issues
• Helpful steps to determine clear title and freedom to use data
• Data licensing- incoming and outgoing data use agreements
• Issues involving medical, patient and/or protected data

Valuation and Marketing Software 

• Express Software Licenses
• Dual licensing

Partnering with Industry and Corporate Alliances

• Key points in corporate sponsored research agreements
• Developing mutually beneficial relationships with industry and other sponsors
• Conflicts of interest for inventors who are founders

Startup Licensing

• Common terms in software startup license agreements
• Balancing entrepreneur and investors interests
• Nonexclusive vs. exclusive licensing

University Practices Related to Patent Infringement

• Infringement detection
• Building a case for leadership

Afternoon Break

Additional Case Studies in Software and Data Licensing

Closing remarks

• How to connect going forward (AUTM)