Own Your Code – IP Strategies and Exploitation Pathways for Research Software

Navigating software intellectual property rights and commercialization pathways can be a decisive factor for researchers, developers, and founders aiming to transfer innovative technologies from research into practical application. Organized jointly by the Lamarr Institute for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, enaCom (Transfer Center at the University of Bonn), and the Center for Entrepreneurship & Transfer (CET at TU Dortmund), the upcoming hybrid seminar “Own Your Code” provides a comprehensive overview of how software creations can be protected, licensed, and leveraged effectively.

Software development in cutting-edge fields like Artificial Intelligence involves a wide array of legal and strategic questions regarding copyright, licensing, and intellectual property rights. In the first part of this seminar, experts introduce the essential legal frameworks governing software protection. Attendees will gain actionable insights into how to safeguard software contributions, assess ownership, and navigate the nuances of IP rights early in the research lifecycle.

Beyond fundamental legal knowledge, the seminar features invited guest speakers who share practical perspectives on diverse exploitation strategies. Participants explore real-world case studies covering patenting, software licensing, trade secrets, and trademarks, alongside open-source deployment models. By shedding light on practical application scenarios, the session helps software creators choose the optimal pathway to maximize both research impact and transfer opportunities.

As part of the ongoing mission of the Lamarr Institute to bridge fundamental AI research and real-world applications, this joint initiative fosters valuable knowledge exchange between academic researchers, students, and transfer specialists. Whether attending in person or joining remotely via Zoom, participants have the opportunity to engage with experts, ask individual questions, and expand their professional network within the regional innovation ecosystem.