Computer Law

Recommended Prerequisites

 Introductionto Law, Constitutional Law, General Theory of Civil Law.

Teaching Methods

It has two key components. On the one hand, the lecture method is used to briefly present the contents, problems and applicable legal instruments, as well as a short presentation of its basic principles. On the other hand, it undertakes case-law analysis, especially relevant rulings of the European Court of Justice, thus providing a dynamic learning of the applicable regulation to, and from, concrete cases. Attention will turn to the use of information technology to carry out research of study materials, such as legislation, case law and literature.

Learning Outcomes

 After completing the course the student should be able to: 1 - Identify the sources and understand the nature of Computer Law. 2 - Understanding e-commerce and be able to use its legal tools, especially with regard to the country of origin, e-contracts (including certification of digital signatures and consumer protection), and the civil liability of Internet providers. 3 – Knowing the legal framework for personal data protection and privacy in electronic communications and the legal protection of computer programs and databases as well as copyright on the Internet. 4 - Relate the regulation of Internet domain names with the protection of distinctive signs (brands, etc.). 5 - Identifying the competent court and applicable law in disputes related to the use of Internet and to acknowledge the existence of alternative means of dispute resolution.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

§ 1. Object, sources and nature of Computer Law.

§ 2. E-commerce and the principle of country of origin.

§ 3. Electronic contracting , certification and consumer protection.

§ 4. Computer programs, databases and copyright on the Internet.

§ 5. Internet domain names and distinctive signs.

§ 6. Personal data and privacy in electronic communications.

§ 7. Liability of Internet service providers and cloud computing.

§ 8. Jurisdiction on the Internet: competent court , applicable law and alternative means of dispute resolution. 

Head Lecturer(s)

Alexandre Libório Dias Pereira

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Martins, L.; Marques, G., Direito da Informática, 2.ªed., Almedina, 2006; Monteiro, A. P. A responsabilidade civil na negociação informática, Direito da Sociedade da Informação-I, Coimbra Editora, 1999, 229-239; Pereira, A. D., Direito da Informática, 2016 (em preparação).

AA.VV. Lei do Comércio Electrónico Anotada, MJ/GPLP, Coimbra Editora, 2005; AA.VV. Temas de Direito da Informática e da Internet, Coimbra Editora, 2004; Ascensão, J. O., Estudos sobre Direito da Internet e da Sociedade da Informação, Almedina, 2001; Castro, C. S., Direito da informática, privacidade e dados pessoais, Almedina, 2005; Gonçalves, M. E., Direito da Informação, 2.ªed., Almedina, 2003; Monteiro, J. S., Direito Privado Europeu–Assinatura Electrónica e Certificação. Revista de Legislação e de Jurisprudência, No 3918 (2001), 262; Pereira, A.D., Informática, direito de autor e propriedade tecnodigital, Coimbra Editora, 2001; Vicente, D. M., Problemática Internacional da Sociedade da Informação, Almedina, 2005