Ethics for Engineers, Patents, Copyrights and IPR
(CSET208)
Dr. Mayank Kumar Jain
School of Computer Science Engineering and Technology
Dr. Mayank Kumar Jain (School of Computer Science Engineering
CSET208
and Technology) 1 / 21
Course Credit Information
Course Code: CSET208
Course Title: Ethics for Engineers, Patents, Copyrights and IPR
Credits: 1 (L-T-P: 1-0-0)
Pre-requisites: None
Owning Department: School of Computer Science Engineering and
Technology
Dr. Mayank Kumar Jain (School of Computer Science Engineering
CSET208
and Technology) 2 / 21
Course Objectives
On completion of this course, students will be able to:
1 Explain major ethical theories and professional codes of conduct.
2 Describe patentability criteria, application processes and enforcement
mechanisms.
3 Analyze the scope and strategic importance of copyrights,
trademarks, trade secrets, and design rights.
Dr. Mayank Kumar Jain (School of Computer Science Engineering
CSET208
and Technology) 3 / 21
Course Syllabus
Module I (03 Hours)
Foundations of Ethics: Values, Morals, Ethics (Rokeach, Kohlberg &
Gilligan); Moral dilemmas & decision-making models; Code of conduct.
Module II (04 Hours)
Professional Ethics in Engineering: Roles & responsibilities of engineers;
Codes of Ethics (ACM, IEEE, local bodies).
Module III (04 Hours)
Patents: novelty, inventive step, utility; Application drafting, prosecution
& renewal; Infringement, licensing & enforcement.
Module IV (04 Hours)
Other IPRs: Copyright, Trademarks & GI protection; Licensing &
enforcement.
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CSET208
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References
Rockman, Intellectual Property Law for Engineers and Scientists, 2nd
ed., Wiley-IEEE, 2020.
Racherla, Intellectual Assets for Engineers and Scientists, CRC Press,
2018.
Schinzinger & Martin, Ethics in Engineering, McGraw-Hill, 2010.
Ganguli, Intellectual Property Rights, Tata McGraw-Hill, 2001.
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CSET208
and Technology) 5 / 21
What is Ethics?
Ethics is the branch of philosophy that
studies moral principles and values,
focusing on what is morally right or
wrong in human conduct.
Guides engineers in real-world decisions.
Example: Should a web developer sell user
data to advertisers without consent?
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CSET208
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Foundation of Ethics
Foundation of Ethics
Ethics
Guiding framework for right
and wrong
Values
Core beliefs shaping actions
Moral Principles
Standards for ethical
behavior
Decision-Making
Processes for ethical choices
Just Society
Outcome of ethical practices
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CSET208
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Rokeach – Value Theory
Ethics is based on the values we hold.
Two types of values:
Terminal Values → Life goals (happiness, peace, success).
Instrumental Values → Day-to-day behaviors (honesty, kindness).
Example:
Valuing world peace (terminal) leads to tolerance and forgiveness
(instrumental).
A student valuing success works hard and stays disciplined.
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CSET208
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Kohlberg – Stages of Moral Development
Morality develops in stages, like climbing a ladder.
Three levels:
1 Pre-Conventional: Right/wrong based on punishment & reward.
Example: Child avoids stealing candy to avoid punishment.
2 Conventional: Morality based on rules & expectations. Example:
Teen follows school rules to be a ”good student.”
3 Post-Conventional: Guided by principles & justice. Example:
Whistleblower exposes corruption despite rules.
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CSET208
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Gilligan – Ethics of Care
Morality is not just about rules but also about care, relationships,
empathy.
Stages of care:
1 Self-Care: Focus on personal needs.
2 Care for Others: Put others first.
3 Balance: Care for both self and others fairly.
Example:
A mother deciding on a high-paying job in another city:
Self-care → Take job for career growth.
Care for others → Stay for children’s stability.
Balance → Take job but arrange schooling/support for kids.
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CSET208
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Values, Morals, Ethics
Values: Beliefs and principles (e.g.,
honesty, fairness).
Morals: Standards of behavior
based on values (e.g., do not cheat
in exams).
Ethics: Application of values and
morals in decision-making.
Case: Adidas vs Nike Should Adidas
copy Nike’s design to stay competitive?
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CSET208
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Moral Dilemmas
Every choice may be partly right and partly wrong.
Engineers often face such dilemmas.
Example:
Should Bisleri reuse plastic bottles (profit) or invest in eco-friendly
packaging (sustainability)?
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Decision-Making Models
1 Utilitarianism: Maximize overall benefit.
2 Rights-based: Respect individuals’ rights.
3 Duty-based: Follow rules regardless of outcome.
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Decision-Making Models
Utilitarianism: Maximize overall benefit.
1
Rights-based: Respect individuals’ rights.
2
3 Duty-based: Follow rules regardless of outcome.
Example:
Should Google allow unsafe websites to remain indexed?
Utilitarian: Remove to protect majority.
Rights-based: Keep for free speech.
Duty-based: Follow policy strictly.
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CSET208
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Code of Conduct
Ethical codes guide engineers (IEEE, ACM).
Ensure honesty, transparency, accountability.
Real-Life Example:
Volkswagen emissions scandal – breach of code.
Nike faced backlash over child labor – ethical responsibility in supply
chains.
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CSET208
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Case Study: Volkswagen Emissions Scandal
Background:
In 2015, Volkswagen installed “defeat
devices” in diesel cars.
Software cheated emission tests to show
lower pollution.
11 million cars worldwide affected.
Ethical Breach:
Violation of honesty, transparency, and
public safety.
Breach of ACM/IEEE codes (avoid
harm, be truthful).
Consequences:
$30+ billion in fines and recalls.
Severe loss of trust and reputation.
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CSET208
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Case Study: Nike and Child Labor
Background:
In the 1990s–2000s, Nike was criticized
for child labor in overseas factories.
Workers were paid very low wages in
poor conditions.
Ethical Breach:
Exploitation of vulnerable populations.
Ignoring corporate social responsibility
(CSR).
Consequences:
Protests and negative publicity.
Forced Nike to adopt stronger supply
chain ethics and monitoring.
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CSET208
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Case Study: Adidas vs. Nike Design Disputes I
Background:
Adidas and Nike have been involved in
multiple legal battles.
Disputes often center around design
patents (shoe patterns, stripes).
Ethical Breach (Potential):
Crossing boundaries of originality and
fair competition.
Misuse of intellectual property rights.
Consequences:
Multi-million dollar lawsuits.
Greater awareness of design IP
protection.
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CSET208
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Case Study: Bisleri and Plastic Sustainability I
Background:
Bisleri, India’s largest bottled water brand, criticized for plastic waste.
Environmental activists demand sustainable packaging.
Ethical Dilemma:
Profit from low-cost plastic vs. responsibility for environment.
Should the company invest in eco-friendly bottles?
Response:
Launched recycling campaign “Bottles for Change”.
Working toward biodegradable packaging solutions.
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CSET208
and Technology) 18 / 21
Case Study: Bisleri and Plastic Sustainability II
Learning: Balancing corporate profit with environmental ethics is
essential.
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CSET208
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Case Study: Data Privacy in Websites I
Background:
Websites collect user data (location, browsing history, preferences).
Some companies sell this data without user consent.
Ethical Breach:
Violation of privacy rights.
Breach of user trust.
Consequences:
Lawsuits and government fines (e.g., GDPR (General Data Protection
Regulation) in European Union (EU)).
Users leaving platforms due to mistrust.
Example:
Facebook–Cambridge Analytica scandal (2018): Data misuse
influenced elections.
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CSET208
and Technology) 20 / 21
Case Study: Data Privacy in Websites II
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