Chapter 7: Intellectual Property Law

The acquis on intellectual property envisages protection of copyrights and industrial property rights. It provides for harmonised rules for the legal protection of copyright and related rights. Specific provisions apply to the protection of databases, computer programs, semiconductor topographies, satellite broadcasting and cable retransmissionIn the area of industrial property rights, the acquis sets out harmonised rules for the legal protection of trademarks and designs. Other provisions apply for biotechnological inventions, pharmaceuticals and plant protection products. In addition, the acquis establishes a Community trademark and Community design and envisages harmonised rules for enforcement of both copyright and industrial property rights.