2026 (Current Year) Special graduate degree programs Specially Offered Degree Programs for Graduate Students Center of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
AI and Law
- Academic unit or major
- Center of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Instructor(s)
- Kenji Suzuki / Katsumi Nitta / Keiji Okumura / Isao Ono
- Class Format
- Lecture (HyFlex)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Tue (M-135)
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- DSA.S401
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 2Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 5, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
In the field of data science, knowledge of the proper handling of data, AI models, and source code is indispensable. This course provides a systematic introduction to the fundamentals of information law and intellectual property law, and aims to develop the ability to apply this knowledge in practice. It addresses a wide range of legal issues from the perspectives not only of AI developers but also of content holders and users. In addition, the course extends beyond Japanese domestic law to include international legal frameworks such as EU law and U.S. copyright law. Furthermore, drawing on corporate compliance practices, it examines how to identify legal risks associated with the use of AI technologies and how to respond to them in a practical manner.
Course description and aims
・To develop the ability to consider the handling of data, AI models, and source code from an international perspective, with reference to legal frameworks on personal data protection, copyright, and AI regulation in the field of data science.
・To understand the legal risks associated with the collection, use, and sharing of data in AI research and development, and to be able to appropriately utilize data, AI models, and source code.
Student learning outcomes
実務経験と講義内容との関連 (又は実践的教育内容)
Prof. Kenji Suzuki serves as a Principal Researcher at Sony Group Corporation, where he is engaged in AI research and development, compliance related to AI and data, and research in information law. Drawing on his many years of experience teaching “AI and Law” within the company and at other universities, he explains complex legal concepts in a clear and accessible manner for students in science and engineering fields.
Keywords
Information Law, Copyright Law, Patent Law, Personal Data Protection Law, EU Law, U.S. Law
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
* This course will be conducted in Japanese.
* The course will be offered in a hyflex format, combining in-person classes and Zoom.
* In-person classes will be held at the Ookayama Campus.
* Attendance in person is recommended in order to actively participate in in-class assignments and discussions.
* Individual questions and consultations immediately after class are welcome.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Overview of Copyright Law |
Learn the basic structure of copyright law, including protected subject matter, the scope of rights, and limitations and exceptions to those rights. |
| Class 2 | AI and Copyright Law |
Learn about generative AI and copyright law in Japan and the United States. |
| Class 3 | Open Source Software (OSS) Licenses |
Learn about OSS licenses and how to handle source code. |
| Class 4 | AI and Patent Law |
Learn the legal framework and practical aspects of protecting AI technologies through patent rights. |
| Class 5 | Personal Information Protection Law |
Learn the basic concepts of Japan’s Personal Information Protection Law and the handling of personal information and personal data. |
| Class 6 | EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) |
Provide an overview of the GDPR and study data protection law from an international perspective. |
| Class 7 | EU AI Act |
Understand the structure of the EU AI Act and learn its key features and practical impact. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
Kenji Suzuki (ed.), Katsumi Nitta, Rui Ichikawa, Hiroaki Yamada (authors), AI and Society for Data Scientists (Houritsu Bunka Sha, April 2026 release).
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Lecture materials will be distributed electronically on the LMS.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Evaluation will be based on in-class assignments and report submissions.
Related courses
- DSA.A503 ： Advanced Data Science and Artificial Intelligence 3
- DSA.A504 ： Advanced Data Science and Artificial Intelligence 4
Prerequisites
* Sufficient reading proficiency in Japanese is required.
* Guidance will be provided in the first class, and all students are required to attend.
* Students are expected to have the motivation to deepen their interest in legal issues from an international perspective in order to appropriately utilize data, AI models, and source code at a practical level.
* This course emphasizes foundational knowledge to build a systematic understanding, while also addressing cutting-edge legal issues.
* The related course “Advanced Data Science and AI (Advanced) III” mainly covers AI ethics, AI governance, and related technologies. This course, by contrast, focuses on information law and intellectual property law centered on practical legal interpretation needed in data science, and does not require prior enrollment in the related course.
Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).
Prof. Kenji Suzuki suzuki[at]dsai.isct.ac.jp
Office hours
Wednesday
Other
* This course is a specialized subject that can be regarded as an “Entrepreneurship Course (GA0M).”