Legal Risks of Intellectual Property and Digital Plagiarism in Mozambique: Case Study of the Higher Institute of Training, Research and Science (2022 – 2024)

This study aims to analyze the legal risks associated with intellectual property infringement and digital plagiarism in the context of Mozambican higher education, focusing on the Higher Institute of Training, Research, and Science (ISFIC), from 2022 to 2024. The research addresses the main national legal instruments, highlighting Law No. 9/2022, which regulates copyright and related rights in Mozambique, as well as the Mozambican Penal Code, which classifies plagiarism as a criminal offense. In addition to the theoretical and normative survey, a qualitative case study was conducted at ISFIC, involving faculty, researchers, and students, to assess the level of knowledge about the legal risks of misusing intellectual property. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires and analyzed using content analysis. The results indicate institutional weaknesses in combating plagiarism and a limited understanding, among the academic community, of the legal implications of intellectual property infringement. The study concludes that more robust institutional policies and ongoing awareness-raising actions are needed to promote a culture of academic integrity, legal compliance, and the appreciation of scientific production.