The course, held at the International University College (IUC) of Turin, tackles the historical evolution of IP law, shifting from a framework marked by the USA’s global hegemonic dominance to one defined by the emergence of new national powers. Simultaneously, it examines how the IP framework is increasingly perceived as inconsequential within the realm of “big tech” capitalism.
The International University College of Turin (IUC) was established in 2006 for the critical study of law and finance, as the institutional foundations of global capitalism. IUC is an authentically cosmopolitan institution, at the center of a network of critical study of globalization, with particular attention to other contexts, (Asia, Africa, Latin America). Stefano Rodotà has been for many years the IUC president.
IUC’s postgraduate program is a 12-months Preparatory Doctoral School with the award of a Master of Science (M.Sc.) research degree in Comparative Law, Economics, and Finance. Preppy Doc students come from a variety of different backgrounds, with over 2/3 of them coming from non-European countries.
The elective course on “Global Politics of IP” offers a critical analysis of the historical evolution of the international IP system, shifting from a framework marked by USA’s global hegemonic dominance to one defined by the emergence of BRICS. Simultaneously, it examines how the IP framework is increasingly perceived as inconsequential within the realm of “big tech” capitalism.
In this 15-hours course, we develop a critical analysis of the global intellectual property order, determined through a network of multilateral treaties, bilateral free-trade agreements (FTA) and unilateral measures such as trade sanctions and retaliation. The discussion commences by tracing the historical process that culminated in the present legal framework – spanning from the late 19th-century treaties such as the Paris and Berne Conventions to the TRIPS Agreement of 1994 and beyond. It then delves into an examination of the consequences, on one hand, of the rise of new forms of information capitalism marked by the dominance of tech giants and “big pharma”, and on the other hand, of a shifting global landscape characterized by the emergence of a new multipolar world order that challenges the hegemony and influence of Western powers. The analysis is guided by the discussion of selected case studies and real-world examples.
Fourteen students hailing from eight diverse nations (Italy, Germany, the USA, Russia, Somalia, Somaliland, India, Pakistan, and Colombia) participated in the course. This richly international and cross-continental composition facilitated discussions on global IP politics, fostering insightful comparisons and exchanges.
Each student was tasked with delivering a presentation on chosen subjects. The course concluded with all students successfully completing it, three of whom achieved high distinction.
The course is held by Maurizio Borghi (Nexa co-director).