The Department of Energy, as part of the Industrial Property Courses, will host the conference “Italian Design and Models: Opportunities and Challenges between EU Legislation and Artificial Intelligence” on 28 October 2024. The event, organised by LES Italia (the Italian group of the Licensing Executives Society that represents major companies, industrial and research organisations, law and patent firms), in collaboration with the Department of Energy and the School of Design of Politecnico di Milano, will be held at 3.30 p.m. in the Council Room of the EN:lab building in Via Lambruschini 8, Milan.

The conference represents an important opportunity to discuss highly topical issues in the field of Intellectual Property and a moment to discuss how Italian design can face contemporary challenges, integrating innovation, regulations and new technologies.

The event will begin with the awarding of the winners of the LES Italy Prize for the best thesis in Intellectual Property, an accolade curated by Sonja London, President of LES International, which highlights the importance of research and innovation in the field.

A Focus on EU Legislation and Artificial Intelligence
The main debate will focus on the impact of the new EU legislation on Italian design and models, a crucial topic for industry professionals.

Among the keynote speakers, Fabrizio Sanna, Lawyer specialised in Intellectual Property (Orsingher Ortur) will analyse the implications of the new EU Regulation and Directive on design and models, highlighting the new regulations and the challenges they bring for Italian companies. Giovanni Casucci, Lawyer specialised in Industrial Property (Politecnico di Milano, EY), will deepen the topic of the harmonisation of design and model regulations and copyright. Massimiliano Mostardini, Lawyer specialising in Intellectual Property (Bird&Bird), will speak on the issue of spare parts, illustrating how case law and new legislation affect this crucial aspect of industrial design. Finally, Stefano Magistretti, Professor of Design and Innovation Management (Politecnico di Milano), will explore the impact of artificial intelligence on design, an increasingly relevant topic in an era where technology plays a central role in creation and production.

Round Table and Networking
At the end of the debate there will be a round table moderated by Dario Paschetta, Scientific Coordinator of LES Italia. Participants will include Massimo Gaidano, Industrial Property Consultant (Ferrero), Sara Citterio, Legal Consultant (Trussardi), Raffaella Mangiarotti, Italian Design Ambassador (Smeg et al) and Fausto Brevi, Car Designer and Professor at Politecnico di Milano. This moment of discussion will be a valuable opportunity to discuss common experiences, visions and challenges.

At the end of the proceedings, all guests are invited to a networking aperitif, an opportunity to expand their professional connections and exchange ideas with colleagues and experts in the field.

Training Credits
The meeting has been accredited for 3 training credits in the field of trademarks and/or patents by the Order of Industrial Property Consultants and is currently being accredited by the Milan Bar Association.

Event registration
Participation is free, subject to registration here (150 places available).