The importance of design in modern industry and commerce is becoming ever more clearly realized worldwide. And with that realization comes recognition of the damage done by copying. To combat plagiarism it is essential that designers, managers and company directors understand the range of legal protection available. Patents, trade marks, design registration, copyright and design right are the chief means by which intellectual property rights may be protected. Added to that is the common law right of 'passing off'. All these methods are covered comprehensively in this new edition of the standard work on this subject.
Written by the leading UK expert, this book offers the most up-to-date guidance on design protection, from patenting inventions to protecting styles and brands. It covers the content of the 1994 Trade Marks Act and its implications. It also explains design protection terminology and its underlying principles as well as outlining the latest European legislation, likely implications of the impact of EU initiatives in the future, and international differences.