Welcome to Al & IT Law - Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology and Computer Law

Based on case studies focused on generative artificial intelligence (Al), Prof. Dr. Determann’s course explores laws, industry practices, and policy considerations relating to the development, protection, and commercialization of software, computers, and information technology services. The primary focus will be on U.S. and EU intellectual property law, but we will also cover contracts, antitrust, international and commercial issues, as well as different technology and business models, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing and open source licensing. We will cover data as an asset, but not information privacy or data protection law topics (which are covered separately in Prof. Determann’s separate course on Data Privacy Law, which is taught again in a future semester).

Prof. Determann’s Al and IT Law Course is focused on practical problem-solving, exercises and quizzes. The class meets for one in-person session at the Free University Berlin on December 3, room 102A on the 1st floor of Van't-Hoff-Str. 6 (Mensa Shokudo building). You will work through course materials and submit a number of quizzes throughout the semester on a weekly basis, as explained in the syllabus.

To pass this course, you have to attend the "live" session on December 3 and submit 7 quizzes by the applicable deadlines, which will be announced in October. You can submit quizzes earlier, at your option before February 20 or even at the beginning of the semester. We may excuse absences due to illness if we receive prior notice at fran.say@bakermckenzie.com. We will not send follow-up emails if you do not submit your quiz timely. Unexcused absence at the "live" session or failure to submit Quiz answers on time disqualifies you from passing the course. You may earn 2 credits (SWS).

You will receive a grade based on the responses to quizzes you submit. You may receive a positive, upward grade adjustment for contributions during the "live" session, and for written assignments you voluntarily submit. You do not have to write any separate exam.

Beyond submitting Quizzes and attending the "live" session, you should also complete all other assignments in writing for your own benefit, but you do not have to submit those written assignments.

Prior courses in intellectual property topics are recommended, but not strictly required. If you have never studied copyright, patent, and trade secret law, then you will have to work harder than students who are already proficient in these areas, but if you are interested in the subject, the extra workload should be manageable. An engineering or programming background is not necessary.

Course registration and organization

Students may register for this course before October 13, 2025 per email sent to lothardetermann@outlook.com and fran.say@bakermckenzie.com to receive course materials, assignments, and quizzes per email. Students are responsible for receiving and timely responding to emails. To avoid missing emails due to spam filtering or other technical issues, consider whitelisting Fran Say’s email address to avoid missing emails, and consider providing several email addresses when you register for the course.

If you need to withdraw from the course, you must communicate this in writing, or you receive a failing grade.

Please direct any questions you may have to lothardetermann@outlook.com.

Kurs im Überblick:

• Credits: 2 Semesterstunden
• Platzbeschränkung: Nein
• Teilnahmepflicht: Ja, 3. Dezember 13.00 - 15.00 (an der FU), Raum 102A, Van't-Hoff-Str. 6 (Mensa Shokudo Gebäude)
• Sprache: English, sprachpraktische Übung
• Anmeldung: Per Email vor dem 13. Oktober 2025 an fran.say@bakermckenzie.com. Keine selbständige Anmeldung über Campus Management! Bitte wenden Sie sich direkt an die/den Dozierenden bzw. die Kontaktperson, fran.say@bakermckenzie.com!
• Kursdauer: 20. Oktober 2024 bis 14. Februar 2025

Schließen