WERABE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

COURSE TITLE:SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL ETHICS IN IT

COURSE CODE:ITec4134
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT

NAME ID
1.REDI NESRO…………………………………….01425/14

SUBMISSION DATEl: MARCH 26,2025

SUBMITTED TO: Mr ZEKERIYAS

WERABE,ETHIOPIA
Contents
1.List and define the legal and moral responsibilities that individuals have in their society as well as in
their organization.....................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Legal responsibilities...................................................................................................................1
1.2 Moral Responsibilities.................................................................................................................2
2. Explain briefly the four types of „Justice‟ which are Distributive, Procedural, Restorative and
Retributive and give an example for each...............................................................................................3
2.1 Distributive Justice (Fair Distribution of Resources)....................................................................3

2.1.1 Key Principles.......................................................................................3

2.2 Procedural Justice (Fairness in Processes and Decision-Making)................................................3

2..2.1 Key Principles......................................................................................3

2.3 Restorative Justice (Repairing Harm and Reconciliation).......................3
2.3.1 Key Principles.......................................................................................4
2.4 Retributive Justice (Punishment for Wrongdoing).................................................................4

Retributive justice...........................................................................................4
2.4.1 Key Principles:......................................................................................4
3. The re-offending act of criminals after justice makes Retributive Justice not a successful type of
justice.......................................................................................................................................................4
3.1 What Kind of Criminals Receive Retributive Justice..................................................................5
3.2 Which Type of Justice Will Bring Better Justice? Why?.............................................................5
4. List and explain the different types of intellectual property rights......................................................6
4.1 Patents (Protection for Inventions)..............................................................................................6

4.1.1 Key Features:.........................................................................................6

Example:A pharmaceutical company patents a new life-saving drug. For 20
years, no other company can legally produce or sell the same drug without
permission......................................................................................................6
4.2 Copyrights (Protection for Creative and Artistic Works).............................................................6

4.2.1 Key Features:.........................................................................................6

4.3 Trademarks (Protection for Brand Identity).................................................................................6

4.3.1 Key Features:.........................................................................................6

4.4 Trade Secrets (Protection for Confidential Business Information)...............................................7

4.4.1 Key Features:.........................................................................................7

4.5 Industrial Designs (Protection for Aesthetic and Functional Designs).........................................7

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 4.5.1 Key Features:.........................................................................................7
5. The objectives of most Intellectual Property Law are to enable mutual benefit for the society as
well as for the patent/copyright holders...................................................................................................7
5.1 Benefits for Society......................................................................................................................8
5.2 Benefits for Inventors or Patent/Copyright Holders....................................................................8
6. What is the difference between the words “infringement”, “Misappropriation” and
“Enforcements”?......................................................................................................................................9
6.1 Infringement (Violation of Intellectual Property Rights).......................................................9

6.1.1Types of Infringement:...........................................................................9
6.2 Misappropriation (Unauthorized Use of Confidential Information or Trade Secrets...................9

6.2.1 Key Differences from Infringement:.....................................................9

6.3 Enforcement (Legal Action to Protect Intellectual Property Rights.......................................9

6.3.1 Common Enforcement Actions:..........................................................10

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INTRODUCTION
Information Technology (IT) plays a crucial role in shaping modern
society, making it essential to understand the ethical and legal
responsibilities that guide IT professionals. This document explores
social and professional ethics in IT, covering key areas such as legal
and moral obligations, types of justice, intellectual property rights,
and the significance of protecting innovations. It examines the
effectiveness of different justice systems, emphasizing the need for
fairness, accountability, and rehabilitation. Additionally, it highlights
the importance of safeguarding intellectual property and
understanding terms like infringement, misappropriation, and
enforcement. Embracing these ethical principles ensures responsible
digital practices, fostering trust, innovation, and societal growth.

1. List and define the legal and moral responsibilities that

individuals have in their society as well as in their organization.
1.1 Legal responsibilities
Refer to duties and obligations that are established and enforced by laws and regulations.
These responsibilities require individuals, organizations, or entities to act in accordance with
the legal frameworks governing their jurisdiction

Moral responsibilities refer to the ethical obligations individuals or groups have to act in
ways that respect the well-being, rights, and dignity of others. They stem from principles of
justice, fairness, compassion, and honesty, guiding people in making decisions that promote
the common good and avoid harm.

 Obeying Laws
All individuals and organizations must follow the legal framework established by
governments, including civil, criminal, and business laws. This ensures order and
fairness in society.
 Non-Discrimination
Legal policies prevent discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, disability,
or sexual orientation in workplaces and public spaces. Organizations must ensure fair
hiring, promotion, and treatment of employees.
 Workplace Safety
Employers must follow occupational health and safety regulations to protect
employees from hazards. Workers also have a duty to follow safety protocols to
prevent accidents.

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  Tax Compliance
Individuals and businesses must declare their earnings honestly and pay taxes
according to national regulations. Tax evasion is illegal and can result in severe
penalties.
 Environmental Protection
Laws regulate waste disposal, pollution control, and resource usage. Businesses and
individuals must minimize environmental harm and comply with sustainability
practices.
 Protection of Intellectual Property
People and businesses must respect copyright, patents, and trademarks to protect
original creations. Unauthorized use or reproduction of intellectual property is illegal.
 Fair Business Practices
Companies must follow consumer protection laws, ensuring fair pricing, truthful
advertising, and ethical dealings with customers and competitors.
 Contractual Obligations
Individuals and organizations must honor legally binding agreements such as
employment contracts, service agreements, and financial transactions.
 Cybersecurity Compliance
With digital advancements, laws require organizations to protect user data and prevent
cybercrimes like hacking, identity theft, and fraud.
 Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery

1.2 Moral Responsibilities

Moral responsibilities refer to the ethical obligations individuals or groups have to act in
ways that respect the well-being, rights, and dignity of others. They stem from principles of
justice, fairness, compassion, and honesty, guiding people in making decisions that promote
the common good and avoid harm.

 Integrity and Honesty

Being truthful and ethical in all dealings, whether in business, work, or social life.
Integrity builds trust and credibility.
 Respect for Others
Treating all people with dignity, kindness, and fairness, regardless of their
background, beliefs, or status.
 Corporate and Social Responsibility
Businesses should contribute to the well-being of society by supporting social causes,
engaging in ethical labor practices, and reducing environmental harm.
 Accountability
Taking full responsibility for one’s actions, admitting mistakes, and working towards
positive outcomes rather than shifting blame.
 Confidentiality and Privacy
Respecting the privacy of individuals and organizations by safeguarding personal and
sensitive information.
 Fair Treatment of Employees

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 Employers should ensure fair wages, work-life balance, and proper working
conditions for all employees. Workers should also be respectful towards employers
and colleagues.
 Volunteering and Community Service
Contributing time and skills to help others through charity work, mentorship, and
community projects, without expecting financial gain.
 Sustainable Living
Making conscious efforts to reduce waste, conserve resources, and support
environmentally friendly practices in daily life.
 Ethical Consumerism
Choosing to support companies and products that follow ethical production methods,
fair wages, and eco-friendly policies.
 Empathy and Compassion

Understanding and supporting others in times of need, whether in the workplace or in society,
to foster a caring and inclusive environment.

2. Explain briefly the four types of „Justice‟ which are

Distributive, Procedural, Restorative and Retributive and give an
example for each.
2.1 Distributive Justice (Fair Distribution of Resources)
Distributive justice refers to the fair allocation of resources, benefits, and burdens in a
society. It ensures that individuals receive their fair share based on need, merit, or equality. It
is often linked to social justice, economic fairness, and equity in opportunities.

2.1.1 Key Principles

 Equality: Everyone receives the same amount, regardless of differences.

 Equity: Resources are distributed based on individual needs and circumstances.

 Merit: People receive rewards based on their contributions or performance.

Example:
A government provides free healthcare services to low-income families, ensuring that
medical resources are distributed based on financial need rather than the ability to pay.

2.2 Procedural Justice (Fairness in Processes and Decision-Making)

Procedural justice focuses on the fairness and transparency of decision-making processes. It
ensures that rules and procedures are followed consistently and applied impartially,
regardless of the individuals involved.

2..2.1 Key Principles

 Transparency: People understand how decisions are made.

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  Consistency: Rules and procedures are applied fairly to everyone.

 Impartiality: No favoritism or bias influences the decision.

 Voice: Individuals have the opportunity to express their views before decisions are
made.

Example:In a workplace, an employee who is accused of misconduct is given a fair

hearing before any disciplinary action is taken. The company follows a structured process
to investigate the issue and allows the employee to present their side of the story before
making a final decision.

2.3 Restorative Justice (Repairing Harm and Reconciliation)

Restorative justice focuses on healing and reconciliation rather than punishment. It aims to repair
the harm caused by wrongdoing and involves both the victim and the offender in finding a
resolution.

2.3.1 Key Principles

 Accountability: Offenders take responsibility for their actions.

 Healing: Victims are given a chance to express their pain and receive support.

 Reintegration: Offenders are encouraged to make amends and rejoin society.

 Dialogue: Open communication between all affected parties.

Example:A student caught vandalizing school property is given the opportunity to apologize
to the school staff and students, clean up the damage, and participate in community service
instead of being expelled. This approach helps the student understand the consequences of
their actions while also making amends.

2.4 Retributive Justice (Punishment for Wrongdoing)

Retributive justice is a system that focuses on punishment as a response to crime, ensuring that
offenders receive consequences proportionate to their wrongdoing. However, one major criticism of
this system is that it does not always prevent criminals from re-offending. Many offenders, after
serving their punishment, return to criminal behavior, questioning the effectiveness of retributive
justice in achieving long-term justice and public safety.

2.4.1 Key Principles:

 Proportionality: The punishment should fit the crime.

 Deterrence: Prevents future offenses by discouraging individuals from committing

crimes.

 Fair Punishment: Ensures offenders receive appropriate legal consequences.

Example:
A person convicted of fraud is sentenced to prison and fined for their crime. The punishment

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serves as both a consequence for their actions and a deterrent to prevent others from
committing similar crimes.

3. The re-offending act of criminals after justice makes

Retributive Justice not a successful type of justice.
a. What kind of criminals receives Retributive Justice?

b. In your opinion which type of justice will bring a better justice? Why?

Retributive justice is a system that focuses on punishment as a response to crime, ensuring

that offenders receive consequences proportionate to their wrongdoing. However, one major
criticism of this system is that it does not always prevent criminals from re-offending. Many
offenders, after serving their punishment, return to criminal behavior, questioning the
effectiveness of retributive justice in achieving long-term justice and public safety.

3.1 What Kind of Criminals Receive Retributive Justice

Retributive justice is commonly applied to criminals who commit serious legal offenses,
including:

 Violent Offenders – Individuals convicted of crimes like murder, assault, domestic

violence, and armed robbery. These crimes pose a direct threat to society, so harsh
punishments such as imprisonment or the death penalty are used.
 White-Collar Criminals – Those engaged in financial fraud, embezzlement, insider
trading, and corruption. Even though these crimes are non-violent, they cause
significant harm to economies and businesses, warranting strict legal penalties.
 Repeat Offenders – Criminals who continue to commit offenses even after previous
punishments. This includes burglars, drug dealers, and habitual offenders.
 Organized Crime Members – Individuals involved in large-scale criminal activities
such as human trafficking, drug cartels, and mafia operations. Governments impose
severe punishments to dismantle such networks.
 Sexual Offenders – Those convicted of crimes like sexual assault, rape, and child
exploitation. Given the psychological and physical harm inflicted on victims, these
offenders often receive long prison sentences.

3.2 Which Type of Justice Will Bring Better Justice? Why?

While retributive justice ensures criminals are punished, it does not always prevent re-
offending. Restorative justice offers a more effective alternative in certain cases.

Why Restorative Justice is More Effective:

1. Rehabilitation Over Punishment – Instead of just punishing offenders, restorative

justice focuses on reforming them through counseling, education, and skill
development, reducing the chances of re-offending.

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 2. Victim Involvement and Healing – Unlike retributive justice, which only focuses on
punishment, restorative justice includes victims in the justice process. This helps
victims gain closure and understand why the crime happened.
3. Reduces Prison Overpopulation – Many minor offenders, instead of being
imprisoned, are given alternative punishments like community service, which is more
beneficial to society.
4. Encourages Personal Responsibility – Offenders are required to acknowledge their
wrongdoing and make amends, leading to true behavioral change.
5. Strengthens Community Bonds – It creates opportunities for reconciliation and
prevents criminals from feeling isolated, making reintegration into society smoother.

4. List and explain the different types of intellectual property

rights.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protect original creations of the human mind, such as
inventions, artistic works, brand names, designs, and trade secrets. These rights ensure that
creators, businesses, and inventors can benefit from their work and prevent unauthorized use.
The main types of intellectual property rights include patents, copyrights, trademarks,
trade secrets, industrial designs, and geographical indications. Below is a detailed
explanation of each type.

4.1 Patents (Protection for Inventions)

A patent is an exclusive legal right granted to an inventor for a new invention, allowing them
to control how the invention is made, used, or sold for a specific period (usually 20 years). In
exchange, the inventor must publicly disclose details about the invention.

4.1.1 Key Features:

 Protects new, useful, and non-obvious inventions.

 Can be applied to products, processes, or technological improvements.
 Requires the inventor to provide detailed public disclosure.
 Once expired, the invention enters the public domain.

Example:A pharmaceutical company patents a new life-saving drug. For 20 years, no other
company can legally produce or sell the same drug without permission.

4.2 Copyrights (Protection for Creative and Artistic Works)

A copyright is a legal right that protects original works of authorship, including books,
music, movies, software, and artworks. It prevents others from copying, distributing, or
modifying the work without permission.

4.2.1 Key Features:

 Covers literary, musical, dramatic, and artistic works.

 Protects both published and unpublished works.
 Lasts for the creator’s lifetime plus 50 to 100 years, depending on the country.

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  Allows the creator to reproduce, distribute, and display their work.

Example:An author writes a novel and copyrights it. No one can legally copy, publish, or
distribute the book without the author's permission.

4.3 Trademarks (Protection for Brand Identity)

A trademark is a symbol, word, phrase, design, or logo that distinguishes a company’s
products or services from competitors. It helps consumers identify trusted brands and avoid
counterfeit goods.

4.3.1 Key Features:

 Protects logos, slogans, brand names, and even colors or sounds (e.g., McDonald's
golden arches or Nike's "Just Do It" slogan).
 Prevents unauthorized use of brand identifiers.
 Trademarks can be renewed indefinitely as long as they remain in use.
 Helps maintain brand recognition and reputation.

Example:The Apple logo is a registered trademark, meaning no other technology company

can use a similar logo to sell computers or smartphones.

4.4 Trade Secrets (Protection for Confidential Business Information)

A trade secret is confidential business information that gives a company a competitive edge.
Unlike patents, trade secrets are not publicly disclosed and are protected for as long as they
remain secret.

4.4.1 Key Features:

 Includes formulas, business strategies, customer lists, and manufacturing

processes.
 Protection lasts indefinitely as long as secrecy is maintained.
 Businesses use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to protect trade secrets.
 If a trade secret is leaked or stolen, the company can take legal action.

Example:The Coca-Cola recipe is one of the world’s most famous trade secrets. The
company keeps it confidential to prevent competitors from copying the exact formula.

4.5 Industrial Designs (Protection for Aesthetic and Functional Designs)

An industrial design protects the visual appearance, shape, or ornamentation of a product

rather than its function. This includes patterns, colors, and designs that make a product
unique.

4.5.1 Key Features:

 Protects the aesthetic aspects of a product (not its technical function).

 Commonly applied to fashion, electronics, cars, furniture, and packaging.

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  Typically granted for 10-25 years, depending on the country.
 Encourages innovation in

5. The objectives of most Intellectual Property Law are to enable

mutual benefit for the society as well as for the patent/copyright
holders.
a. Explain their benefits for the society.

b. Explain their benefits for the inventor or patent/copyright holders

Intellectual Property (IP) laws are designed to protect the rights of inventors and creators
while also ensuring that society benefits from innovation and creativity.

5.1 Benefits for Society

 Encourages Innovation and Technological Advancement

o Patents promote research and development by ensuring inventors share their
knowledge while enjoying temporary exclusivity.
o Society benefits from continuous technological progress and improved
products.
 Increases Access to Knowledge and Creativity
o Copyright laws protect authors, but after expiration, works enter the public
domain, allowing unrestricted use by the public.
o Scientific discoveries and artistic works enrich culture and education.
 Promotes Economic Growth and Job Creation
o Strong IP protection attracts investors and encourages business growth.
o Industries based on IP (e.g., pharmaceuticals, entertainment, and technology)
generate employment.
 Ensures Product Quality and Consumer Protection
o Trademarks help consumers identify and trust authentic brands.
o Protection against counterfeit goods ensures safety and quality.
 Supports Cultural and Scientific Development
o Copyrighted literature, films, and music contribute to global culture.
o Scientific discoveries shared through patent disclosures drive future
innovations.

5.2 Benefits for Inventors or Patent/Copyright Holders

 Exclusive Rights and Financial Rewards

o Inventors and creators can profit from their work through licensing, selling,
or commercializing their innovations.
o Patents provide a monopoly for up to 20 years, allowing businesses to
recover research investments.
 Legal Protection Against Copying and Unauthorized Use

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 o Copyrights, patents, and trademarks prevent others from exploiting an
invention or creative work without permission.
o Protects against counterfeiting and plagiarism.
 Encourages Continued Innovation and Creativity
o By ensuring financial benefits, IP laws motivate inventors and artists to
continue creating.
o Businesses invest more in R&D due to assured protection of their discoveries.
 Enhances Business Competitiveness
o Strong branding (trademarks) and product uniqueness (patents) provide a
competitive market advantage.
o Differentiation from competitors helps in market positioning and brand
recognition.
 Opportunities for Licensing and Partnerships
o Inventors can license their patents or copyrights to companies for
manufacturing and distribution, generating passive income.

o IP rights enable collaborations with universities, research institutions, and

businesses.

6. What is the difference between the words “infringement”,

“Misappropriation” and “Enforcements”?
These three terms relate to Intellectual Property (IP) law but have distinct meanings in legal
contexts.

6.1 Infringement (Violation of Intellectual Property Rights)

Infringement occurs when someone uses, copies, distributes, or sells another person’s
intellectual property without permission or in violation of legal protections.

6.1.1Types of Infringement:

 Patent Infringement – Using or selling a patented invention without the patent

holder’s consent.
 Copyright Infringement – Copying, distributing, or publicly displaying copyrighted
work without authorization.
 Trademark Infringement – Using a trademarked name, logo, or slogan in a way that
confuses consumers.

Example:A company produces and sells smartphones using patented technology from another
company without obtaining a license. This is patent infringement.

6.2 Misappropriation (Unauthorized Use of Confidential Information or

Trade Secrets
Misappropriation refers to the wrongful acquisition, disclosure, or use of another party’s
confidential information, especially trade secrets, without permission. It usually involves
theft, bribery, or deception rather than public violation like infringement.

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6.2.1 Key Differences from Infringement:

 Infringement deals with publicly protected rights (patents, trademarks,

copyrights), while misappropriation relates to confidential business information.
 Misappropriation often involves stealing or leaking trade secrets rather than
violating a registered IP right.

Example:An employee secretly takes Coca-Cola’s secret formula and sells it to a rival
company. This is trade secret misappropriation.

6.3Enforcement (Legal Action to Protect Intellectual Property Rights

Enforcement refers to the legal actions taken by an IP owner to protect their rights when
infringement or misappropriation occurs. This includes lawsuits, cease-and-desist letters,
and penalties.

6.3.1 Common Enforcement Actions:

Filing a copyright or patent lawsuit against an infringer.

Sending a cease-and-desist letter demanding the violator stop using the IP.

Requesting a court order or injunction to prevent further violations.

Example:

Apple sues a company for selling fake iPhones with its logo, seeking compensation and a
court order to stop the sales. This is an IP enforcement action.

Key Differences at a Glance

Term Definition Focus Example

Infringement Unauthorized use of Public violations of Selling a book that is
registered IP IP rights. a copy of a
(patents, copyrights, copyrighted novel.
trademarks).

Misappropriation Theft or wrongful Secret or An employee steals a

use of trade secrets or unauthorized access company’s secret
confidential to business manufacturing
information. information. process.

Enforcement Legal actions taken Lawsuits, cease-and- A company sues

to protect IP rights. desist letters, and another for copying
penalties. its software.

CONCLISION

This 'understanding social and professional ethics in IT is crucial for balancing legal
obligations and moral responsibilities. Justice systems like restorative justice offer more
sustainable solutions by focusing on rehabilitation and reconciliation. Intellectual Property

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Rights (IPR) protect creativity and innovation while benefiting both inventors and society.
Distinguishing terms like infringement, misappropriation, and enforcement is vital for
safeguarding intellectual assets. Promoting fairness, accountability, and empathy in digital
practices ensures a more ethical technological landscape. Emphasizing these principles
strengthens trust, encourages innovation, and fosters responsible digital citizenship.

References

Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.

WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization). (n.d.). What is Intellectual Property?

Retrieved from www.wipo.int

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Zehr, H. (2002). The Little Book of Restorative Justice. Good Books.

Cornish, W., Llewelyn, D., & Aplin, T. (2019). Intellectual Property: Patents, Copyright,
Trade Marks & Allied Rights. Sweet & Maxwell.

United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from

www.un.org

Posner, R. A. (1981). The Economics of Justice. Harvard University Press.

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