Introduction to Intellectual Property

The intensification of globalization and the exponential growth of the creative economy have dramatically highlighted the importance of intellectual property (IP) to ensure freedom of competition and respect for honesty in trade. Additionally, the assets covered by IP are of crucial importance for social, technological, and economic development. This hugely valuable guide, written by specialists in the Secretariat of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and now in its updated and expanded second edition, pays particular attention to the subject of international cooperation in IP, including discussion of the principal multilateral treaties which deal with its protection, and to the role of IP in cultural, economic, and technological development.

Among the aspects of intellectual property law and administration covered are the following:

- administrative details of various regimes, including patent information, and documentation systems;

- the growing significance of IP in such areas as technology transfer, traditional knowledge, and genetic resources;

- negotiation processes under way at WIPO, such as the Development Agenda; and

- material prepared by WIPO's International Bureau.

The concepts explained in this book-from the introductory to advanced aspects of IP-will be especially welcomed by practitioners considering the expansion of their practices or those who find themselves dealing with IP issues in their work and who need to become more articulate on the subject. In general, this work will prove enormously useful for corporate counsel, IP practitioners, government officials, IP agents, and academics.