Introduction To Information Technology Law

Timetable

Suggested date for classes: Mondays at 11.30 - 13.00, room 4.9 Collegium Iuridicum Novum.

Please note that the date may change.

Module aim (aims)

This course aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of the legal principles governing information technology, focusing on key concepts, contractual frameworks, and digital transactions. By the end of this module, students will acquire the following knowledge and competencies:

Knowledge and Learning Outcomes:

• Core IT Law Concepts

  • Understanding fundamental legal terms such as software, interfaces, reverse engineering, software defects, software bugs, electronic signatures, and cloud computing.

  • Legal implications and protections related to software development and distribution.

• Software Contracts

  • In-depth knowledge of different types of software contracts, their structure, and enforceability.

  • Comprehension of licensing models, warranties, liability limitations, and intellectual property considerations.

• Electronic Transactions & Digital Contracts

  • Legal validity of electronic forms of legal actions, including e-signatures and digital authentication.

  • Principles of contract formation via electronic communications (e.g. email, e-commerce platforms).

• Internet-Based & Cloud Computing Services

  • Legal frameworks governing online services, including SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) and cloud computing agreements.

  • Regulatory compliance, data protection (e.g. GDPR), and liability issues in digital service provision.

This course equips students with the essential legal knowledge to navigate IT law, preparing them for careers in tech compliance, digital contract drafting, cybersecurity law, and related fields where legal and technological domains intersect.

 

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Knowledge of contract and intellectual property law is welcome, although not essential.

Syllabus

Week 1: Foundations of Computer Law: Origins, scope, and general characteristics of IT law

Week 2-3: Legal Protection of Computer Programs: Scope, exclusive rights and their limitations

Week 4-6: Software Contract Law: Service contracts, proprietary and non-proprietary software licences

Week 7-8: Digital Content & Service Contracts: Scope, consumer protection non-conformity, and unilateral modifications

Week 9-10: Electronic Transactions: Electronic signatures, seals, timestamps, registered delivery service, and website authentication

Week 11-12: Formation of Electronic Contracts: Offer, acceptance, and validity, electronic auctions and negotiations

Week 13: ISP, Cloud Computing and Data Governance

Week 14: Emerging Technologies: AI and Blockchain

Week 15: Final Exam

Reading list

Recommended literature:

• Creech K., Electronic media law and regulation, Amsterdam 2003.
• Helberger N., Digital consumers and the law: towards a cohesive European framework, Alphen aan den Rijn 2013.
• Jütte B.J., Reconstructing European copyright law for the digital single market: between old paradigms and digital challenges, Baden-Baden 2017.
• Kur A., Dreier Th., Luginbuehl S., European intellectual property law: texts, cases and materials, Cheltenham 2019.
• Lodder A.R., Kaspersen H.W.K. (eds.), E-directives: guide to European Union law on e-commerce: commentary on the directives on distance selling, electronics signatures, electronic commerce, copyright in the information society, and data protection, The Hague, London 2002.
• Rosati E., Copyright in the digital single market : article-by-article commentary to the provisions of directive 2019/790, Oxford 2021.
• Spindler G., Börner F. (eds.), E-commerce law in Europe and the USA, Berlin 2002.
• Szkalej K.F., Copyright in the age of access to legal digital content : a study of EU copyright law in the context of consumptive use of protected content, Uppsala 2021.
• Weatherill S., EU consumer law and policy, Cheltenham 2013.

Newer editions are of course welcome.

Additional materials will be provided during the classes.