Technological progress leads to the development of the so-called “economy of knowledge”, based on the use of information to generate value. In recent years, we are in fact witnessing an increase in cultural and scientific products circulating within the national and EU market. In this context, the relationship between the world of Open Science and the world of intellectual property comes into play.

With the entry into force of Regulation 2017/745 (MDR), all doubts have been removed as to whether medical devices can also be sold online. In abstract, medical devices can be sold online through e-commerce sites of one of the economic operators involved in the supply chain (manufacturer, distributor or importer) and in generic marketplaces. Both channels can be directed at consumers and professionals, without distinction. Within this completely liberal framework, however, there are other laws and regulations in force in Italy, different from the MDR, that must be respected in the online sale of medical devices.