Outline:

A:        Overview of patent law

      I.         Introduction: Why a patent system at all?

    II.         Subject matter of a patent

1. The invention – a technical teaching
2. Exceptions to patentability

   III.         Subject matter of the invention

1. Interplay subject matter of the invention - scope of protection
2. Claims
3. Structure of a patent application

  IV.         Protection requirements

1. Novelty
2. Inventive step
3. Industrial applicability

    V.         Ways to the patent

1. Principle of territoriality
2. German patent application
3. International patent application
4. European patent application

  VI.         Patent granting procedure

B:         Patent law in the context of higher education

      I.         Scientist as inventor

1. Overview of the Employee Invention Act
2. University Privilege

    II.         From the idea to the patent

1. Employee invention or free invention?
2. Invention disclosure
3. Employer's usage of the invention

   III.         Excursus on patent infringement: Does my research result infringe another's patent?