The law and economics of intellectual property is attracting increased attention as technological innovation continues to have a major impact on economic growth. This authoritative two-volume set brings together the most significant scholarship on intellectual property. It provides comprehensive coverage, with a mix of theory, empirics and institutional details. The emphasis is on more recent writings, although it also includes some early work that continues to provide the platform for contemporary scholarship.This book will be an essential source of reference for both academics, students and practitioners concerned with this exciting new field of research.

'Since the 1970s the pharmaceutical industry has undergone significant changes in its research and development paradigm, trade and production. Regulatory frameworks have also changed substantially, particularly in the area of intellectual property rights. This book provides much needed empirical evidence on the impact of these and other changes on the pharmaceutical sector and on access to medicines in developing countries. The studies, conducted with a common methodology, on nine developing countries (including major producers of pharmaceuticals such as China and India) and on Canada, make an outstanding contribution to the literature in the field. The data and analysis in the book are of immediate interest to policy makers and to scholars in various fields, including innovation economics, industrial policy, health systems and intellectual property.' - Carlos Correa, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina This up-to-date book examines pharmaceutical development, access to medicines, and the protection of public health in the context of two fundamental changes that the global political economy has undergone since the 1970s, the globalization of trade and production and the increased harmonization of national regulations on intellectual property rights. With authors from eleven different countries presenting case studies of national experiences in Africa, Asia and the Americas, the book analyzes national strategies to promote pharmaceutical innovation, while at the same time assuring widespread access to medicines through generic pharmaceutical production and generic pharmaceutical importation. The expert chapters focus on patents as well as an array of regulatory instruments, including pricing and drug registration policies. Presenting in-depth analysis and original empirical research, this book will strongly appeal to academics and students of intellectual property, international health, international political economy, international development and law. Contributors: T. Andia, M. Bourassa Forcier, M. Flynn, P. Gehl Sampath, S. Guennif, A. Guzman, H. Klug, G. Krikorian, N. Lalitha, J.-F. Morin, K.C. Shadlen, L. Shi, M. Watanabe

In this provocative book, Carys Craig challenges the assumptions of possessive individualism embedded in modern day copyright law, arguing that the dominant conception of copyright as private property fails to adequately reflect the realities of cultural creativity. Employing both theoretical argument and doctrinal analysis, including the novel use of feminist theory, the author explores how the assumptions of modern copyright result in law that frequently restricts the kinds of expressive activities it ought to encourage. In contrast, Carys Craig proposes a relational theory of copyright based on a dialogic account of authorship, and guided by the public interest in a vibrant, participatory culture. Through a critical examination of the doctrines of originality and fair dealing, as well as the relationship between copyright and freedom of expression, she explores how this relational theory of copyright law could further the public purposes of the copyright system and the social values it embodies. This unique and insightful study will be of great interest to students and scholars of intellectual property, communications, cultural studies, feminist theory and the arts and humanities. Contents: 1. Introduction Part I: Copyright and Cultural Creativity in Context 2. Constructing Authorship: The Underlying Philosophy of the Copyright Model 3. Authorship and Conceptions of the Self: Feminist Theory and the Relational Author Part II: The Origin of Copyright: Locke, Labour and Limiting the Author s Right 4. Against a Lockean Approach to Copyright 5. The Evolution of Originality: The Author s Right and the Public Interest Part III: Use, Transformation and Appropriation : Exploring the Limits of Copyright 6. Fair Dealing and the Purposes of Copyright Protection 7. Dissolving the Conflict between Copyright and Freedom of Expression 8. Final Conclusions Index

In the current era current era of significant innovations, science and technology are powerful tools improving human welfare through prosperity and sustainable development. The development of microbiology based industries in any given country is shaped by the characteristics of its technology-particularly its close relation to scientific knowledge, and by country-specific factors such as the level and nature of the scientific knowledge base, the institutional set-up, and the role assumed by the government, all of which influence the country's ability to exploit the new opportunities. This unique book presents an integrated approach for sustained innovation in various areas of microbiology. Focusing on the industrial and socio-legal implications of IPR in microbiological advances, it offers a comprehensive overview not only of the implications of IPR in omics-based research but also of the ethical and intellectual standards and how these can be developed for sustained innovation. The book is divided into three sections discussing current advances in microbiological innovations, recent intellectual property issues in agricultural, and pharmaceutical microbiology respectively. Integrating science and business, it offers a glimpse behind the scenes of the microbiology industry, and provides a detailed analysis of the foundations of the present day industry for students and professionals alike.

In today's legal environment, copyright licensing requires an international perspective. Licensors in both emerging and developed markets must have a detailed understanding of cross-border practices. Cross-Border Copyright Licensing provides a select guide to copyright licensing practices in a number of jurisdictions, addressing key cross-border considerations. Key features include: chapter by chapter analysis of licensing legislation in the most frequently encountered jurisdictions including: China, the EU, India, Mexico, Russia, Singapore, South Africa and the USA discussion of the inter-relation between copyright licensing and competition law clear delineation of the most relevant and critical legal issues relating to licensing practice across the named jurisdictions allowing for ease of reference contributions from expert practitioners with invaluable first hand knowledge of international licensing practices. This book will prove a valuable resource for lawyers who are implementing or enforcing a copyright licensing scheme, acting as a first point of reference on cross-border issues. Scholars of Intellectual Property will also find the text to be a useful guide on international regulations and practices. Contributors include: A. Apostolidis, H. Blignaut, K. Golish, P.G. Granados, E. Hochstadt, B. Kalra, B. Lindner, R. Lukyanov, T. Misra, L.C. Nian, D.S. Nocetti, J.B. Nordemann, T. Pattloch, S. Rab, A. Risely, W. Strong, K. Sysoeva, K. Tsuru

This book focuses on the economic aspects of intellectual property (IP). It includes considerations of the wider category of intangible assets. However, the primary focus is devoted to patents which the author argues are the most vivid example of the Tragedy of Intangible Abundance (TIA). TIA touches upon a key issue in the contemporary economy. On the one hand, there is an enormous supply of IP, yet, on the other hand, such an abundance does not necessarily solve existing issues but rather creates new ones as well. This book elaborates on the reasons for the emergence of TIA and its consequences. The author uses clear metaphors to explain very complex issues. The book provides a valuable and interdisciplinary analysis of the field and offers practical solutions. It is based on the data collected by the author during the qualitative research he conducted among a group of start-ups. It presents guidance on determining which instrument is the most efficient for a particular situation. It also provides arguments for decision-makers and their advisors as to why a more open approach towards intellectual property would be more beneficial under many circumstances in the contemporary economy. While universal issues are addressed, the author distinguishes the European perspective too. The book is written in a clear and concise style and covers all of the crucial aspects of IP management. It will find an audience among scholars of economics and business.

This fascinating study describes efforts to define and protect traditional knowledge and the associated issues of access to genetic resources, from the negotiation of the Convention on Biological Diversity to The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Nagoya Protocol. Drawing on the expertise of local specialists from around the globe, the chapters judiciously mix theory and empirical evidence to provide a deep and convincing understanding of traditional knowledge, innovation, access to genetic resources, and benefit sharing. Because traditional knowledge was understood in early negotiations to be subject to a property rights framework, these often became bogged down due to differing views on the rights involved. New models, developed around the notion of distributive justice and self-determination, are now gaining favor. This book suggests - through a discussion of theory and contemporary case studies from Brazil, India, Kenya and Canada - that a focus on distributive justice best advances the interests of indigenous peoples while also fostering scientific innovation in both developed and developing countries. Comprehensive as well as nuanced, Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge will be of great interest to scholars and students of law, political science, anthropology and geography. National and international policy makers and those interested in the environment, indigenous peoples' rights and innovation will find the book an enlightening resource. Contributors: T. Bubela, J. Carbone, R. Crookshanks, L. DeBusschere, G. Dutfield, E.R. Gold, D.S. Hik, A. Kumbamu, C. Lawson, C. Metcalf, S. Nickels, K. Nnadozie, P.W.B. Phillips, E.B. Rodrigues Jr, T. Williams, S. Zhang

The creative industries are becoming of increasing important from economic, cultural, and social perspectives. This Handbook explores the relationship, whether positive or negative, between creative industries and intellectual property (IP) rights. Distinguished international contributors reflect on the diverse policy approaches from across the world, taking into consideration a broad spectrum of economic and philosophical stances. In doing so, the topical chapters offer a global exploration of a wide breadth of issues, including sector-specific examples ranging from museums to traditional knowledge and artificial intelligence to enforcement and new business models. Intriguingly, this Handbook also looks forward to future challenges and developments regarding the role of IP in creative industries. Delivering fresh and challenging perspectives on the rich and important relationship between IP and the creative industries, this Handbook will be vital reading for scholars of IP. It will also be an important reference for advisors to, policymakers for, and funders of the creative industries, as well as activists challenging the power of IP. Contributors include: H. Berthold, A.E. Brown Abbe, R. Burt, I. Calboli, S. Chillas, S. Collins, J. Cornwell, C. Davies, K. Erickson, S. Frankel, N. Gervassis, M. Grewar, A. Guadamuz, V. Hafstein, C. Handke, J. Hartley, E. Kakiuchi, A. Keshet, S. Kheria, G.N. Mandel, R. Mukonoweshuro, E. Nwauche, M. Pavis, J. Reda, N. Rizk, A. Sabiescu, P. Schlesinger, N. Searle, J. Stapleton, S. Teilmann-Lock, B. Townley, C. Waelde, S. Whatley, H.K. Yilmaztekin, R.I. Yudhishthir

This book focuses on analysing how legal systems set the terms for interactions between human beings and plants. The story that the book recounts is one of experimental lawmaking in Ecuador, a country where over the past decade, governmental officials and civil society advocates have attempted to reconfigure how human individuals and institutions relate to nature, by following an "eco-centric" approach to lawmaking. In doing so, Ecuadorian legislators, administrators, and judges have taken seriously the ontologies of non-human entities, including plants, through a process that has required the continuous navigation of tensions with certain "logics" that pervade conventional legal regimes. The book endeavours to disrupt these conventional assumptions and approaches to lawmaking by taking seriously alternative strategies to reconstitute interactions between people and plants. In doing so, the book argues in favour of an "ecological turn" in laws that govern vegetal life. The analysis is based on a close examination of the experiences that lawmakers in Ecuador have had when experimenting with innovative approaches to re-form relationships between human and non-human beings. Concretely, these experiments have yielded constitutional, legislative, and regulatory changes that inform the inquiry of how intellectual property and plant genetic resources laws - both in Ecuador and worldwide - could become more "ecological" in nature. The argument that the book develops is based on extensive ethnographic fieldwork and empirical research in Ecuador, complemented by archival and doctrinal legal analysis. The contents of the book will be of interest to an academic audience of legal scholars and postgraduate students in law, in addition to scholars and students in the fields of anthropology, sociology, socio-legal studies, and science and technology studies.

The Supreme Court of the United States in Feist v. Rural (1991) required that databases must have a minimal degree of creativity for copyright. The judgment was highly significant and the subsequent period is understood as the post-Feist era. It has been globally influential. However, the decision is extremely complex and remains unsatisfactorily interpreted. In particular, it has been impossible to illuminate the creativity requirement. The book gives an account of the decision's conceptual structure, focusing on its full delineation of the opposite to creativity. In a radical and unprecedented innovation, it is correlated with an automatic computational process. Creativity itself is understood as non-computational or directly human activity concerned with meaning. Determining the presence of creativity is reduced to a four-stage test. This work then has acute practical current relevance to property in data in the digital age; it will also be of theoretical interest to, and is aimed at, researchers in, practitioners, and students of intellectual property worldwide.

Intellectual property rights are essential for a firm's competitive edge and success and form the significant assets for many firms. The authors of this book argue that intellectual property is a complex phenomenon, which inevitably requires a combination of both economic and legal considerations, because the lack of understanding of the mechanisms for the protection and preservation of IP can serve to undermine any of the potential economic benefits. The book outlines the opportunities that can be derived from the use of IP in business and also identifies the rules necessary for their implementation. It offers a comprehensive, systemic research of intellectual property based on the most up-to-date legislation and cases of IP use in Russia. Such an approach will allow readers to fully understand the peculiarities of IP as a special phenomenon of the Russian market. There is a good balance between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation, and the plain language and unique approach to structuring information make the book accessible and easy to understand. It contains a special glossary of terms to facilitate the understanding of the material presented in the book. Although the book looks specifically at the Russian case, it will have international appeal, since intellectual property, by its very nature, has become a transnational phenomenon. Moreover, the international regulatory framework provides for the similarity of legal regulation of IP. The book will find an audience among researchers concerned with the economics and law of intellectual property, as well as, policymakers and practitioners involved in business IP.

New innovations are created every day, but today's business leaders are focused on finding disruptive innovations which are cheaper and lower performing than upmarket technologies. They create new markets, and challenge the status quo of existing technological thinking creating uncertainty both in the future of the innovation and the outcome of the market upheaval. Disruptive innovation is an influential innovation theory in business, but how does it affect the law? Several of these technologies have brought new ways for individuals to deal with copyright works while disrupting existing market expectations, while their ability to spawn social norms has presented challenges for legislation. Considering disruptive innovation as a class, this book examines innovations that have impacted copyright in the past, what lessons can be learned from how the law interacted with them, and how the law can successfully deal with them going forward. Creating comprehensive guidance that can be used when faced with disruptive innovations with the aim of more successful legislation, it considers whether copyright law itself has been disrupted through these innovations. Exploring whether disruptive innovations as a class have unique properties that necessitate action by legislators and whether these properties have the possibility to disrupt the law itself, this book theorises how the law should deal with disruptive innovations in general, going beyond a discussion of the regulation of specific innovations to develop a framework for how law makers should deal with disruptive innovations when faced by one.

Contemporary copyright was born in a heroic era of human history when technologies facilitated idea dissemination through the book trade reaching out mass readership. This book provides insights on the copyright evolution and how proprietary individual expression's copyright protection forms an integral part of our knowing in being, driven by the advances of technology through the proliferating trading frameworks. The book captures what is central in the process of copyright evolution which is an "onto-epistemological offset". It goes on to explain that copyright's protection of knowing in originality's delineation of expression and fair use/dealing's legitimization of unauthorized use and being are not isolatable, but rather mutually implicated. While the classic strict determinism has been subject to an onto-epistemological challenge, the book looks at the proliferation of global trade and advent of information technology and how they show us the beauty and possibility of intra-dependence between copyright authorship, entrepreneurship, and readership, which calls for a fresh copyright onto-epistemology. Building on its onto-epistemological critiques on the stakeholder, force, and mechanism of copyright evolution, the book helps readers understand why, not only copyright, but also law in general, and justice too, need to be onto-epistemologically balanced, as this is categorically imperative for being, the fundamental law of nature.

Arguing that the translation of scientific and technical learning materials, and the publication of these translations in a timely and affordable manner, is crucially important in promoting access to scientific and technical knowledge in the developing world, this book examines the relationship between copyright law, translation and access to knowledge. Taking Sri Lanka as a case study in comparison with India and Bangladesh, it identifies factors that have contributed to the unfavourable relationship between copyright law and the timely and affordable translation of scientific and technical learning materials, such as colonisation, international copyright law, the trade interests of the developing economies and a lack of expertise and general lack of awareness surrounding copyright law in the developing world. Highlighting the need to reform international copyright law to promote the needs and interests of developing countries such as Sri Lanka, the book points to a possible way forward for developing countries to achieve this and to address the problem of striking a proper and delicate balance in their copyright laws between the protection of translation rights and the ability of people to access translations of copyright protected scientific and technical learning materials.

This fully revised and updated edition of Intellectual Property Rights for Engineers addresses recent developments in the area. The book explains the general principles behind the law protecting innovation, quoting cases from the engineering domain in order to clarify legal issues. Chapters outline the basic rights through automatic protection (copyright, design right) and registration systems (patent, registered design, trade mark), and also discusses the issues surrounding confidential information. The book clarifies precisely who owns the rights and how their use is constrained by EC law, and goes on to explain how to license or even litigate when necessary. Finally, strategic aspects for decision-making and management are discussed.

The legal protection of geographical indications (GIs) is characterised by a variety of approaches which translates the many objectives attached to them. These range from protection of the consumers and producers' interests against unfair competition practices, to territorial development, to preservation of cultural heritage and natural resources. Looking beyond formal legal protection for GIs, this book seeks to re-draw attention to what happens in the real world by exploring the opportunities and constraints which influence whether regional product branding initiatives are successful. It asks: what makes GIs work in practice and does the type of legal protection matter? To answer these questions, this book takes a comparative case study approach and draws upon empirical data collected from 12 GI initiatives in two countries, France and Vietnam. In doing so, this book not only provides new insights and perspectives to the ongoing international legal dispute over GIs, it also contributes to unpacking the factors that make GIs work in practice to bring about economic and non-economic benefits and ultimately support the empowerment of local producers. This book will be of interest to legal academics and practitioners as well as food sociologists, economists, anthropologists and rural development experts.

This book considers the rapidly evolving, both legally and socially, nature of image-based abuse, for both minors and adults. Drawing mainly from UK data, legislation and case studies, it presents a thesis that the law is, at best, struggling to keep up with some fundamental issues around image based abuse, such as the sexual nature of the crimes and the long term impact on victims, and at worst, in the case of supporting minors, not fit for purpose. It shows, through empirical and legislative analysis, that the dearth of education around this topic, coupled with cultural norms, creates a victim blaming culture that extends into adulthood. It proposes both legislative developments and need for wider stakeholder engagement to understand and support victims, and the impact the non-consensual sharing of intimate images can have on their long-term mental health and life in general. The book is of interest to scholar of law, criminology, sociology, police and socio-technical studies, and is also to those who practice law, law enforcement or wider social care role in both child and adult safeguarding.

Linking traditional and local products to a specific area is increasingly felt as a necessity in a globalised market, and Geographical Indications (GIs) are emerging as a multifunctional tool capable of performing this and many other functions. This book analyses the evolving nature of EU sui generis GIs by focusing on their key element, the origin link, and concludes that the history of the product in the broad sense has become a major factor to prove the link between a good and a specific place. For the first time, this area of Intellectual Property Law is investigated from three different, although interrelated, perspectives: the history and comparative assessment of the systems of protection of Indications of Geographical Origin adopted in the European jurisdictions from the beginning of the 20th century; the empirical analysis of the trends emerging from the practice of EUGIs; and the policy debates surrounding them and their importance for the fulfilment of the general goals of the EU Common Agricultural Policy. The result is an innovative and rounded analysis of the very nature of the EU Law of GIs that, starting from its past, investigates the present and the likely future of this Intellectual Property Right. This book provides an interesting and innovative contribution to the field and will be of interest to GI scholars and Intellectual Property students, as well as anyone willing to gain a better understanding of this compelling area of law.

This book explores how dissimilar patent systems remain distinctive despite international efforts towards harmonization. The dominant historical account describes harmonization as ever-growing, with familiar milestones such as the Paris Convention (1883), the World Intellectual Property Organization's founding (1967), and the formation of current global institutions of patent governance. Yet throughout the modern period, countries fashioned their own mechanisms for fostering technological invention. Notwithstanding the harmonization project, diversity in patent cultures remains stubbornly persistent. No single comprehensive volume describes the comparative historical development of patent practices. Patent Cultures: Diversity and Harmonization in Historical Perspective seeks to fill this gap. Tracing national patenting from imperial expansion in the early nineteenth century to our time, this work asks fundamental questions about the limits of globalization, innovation's cultural dimension, and how historical context shapes patent policy. It is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the contested role of patents in the modern world.

Since the Intangible Heritage Convention was adopted by UNESCO in 2003, intangible cultural heritage has increasingly been an important subject of debate in international forums. As more countries implement the Intangible Heritage Convention, national policymakers and communities of practice have been exploring the use of intellectual property protection to achieve intangible cultural heritage safeguarding outcomes. This book examines diverse cultural heritage case studies from Indigenous communities and local communities in developing and industrialised countries to offer an interdisciplinary examination of topics at the intersection between heritage and property which present cross-border challenges. Analysing a range of case studies which provide examples of traditional knowledge, traditional cultural expressions, and genetic resources by a mixture of practitioners and scholars from different fields, the book addresses guidelines and legislation as well as recent developments about shared heritage to identify a progressive trend that improves the understanding of intangible cultural heritage. Considering all forms of intellectual property, including patents, copyright, design rights, trade marks, geographical indications, and sui generis rights, the book explores problems and challenges for intangible cultural heritage in crossborder situations, as well as highlighting positive relationships and collaborations among communities across geographical boundaries. Transboundary Heritage and Intellectual Property Law: Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage will be an important resource for practitioners, scholars, and students engaged in studying intangible cultural heritage, intellectual property law, heritage studies, and anthropology.

There is no longer any doubt that, for the foreseeable future, public access to computer software and information is essential for the economic development of every country on earth, rich and poor. Yet it is precisely here, in this most forward-looking of technologies, that the ancient legal battle lines of private ownership versus public interest are being drawn again, with extreme intransigence, in the field of international law pertaining to intellectual property rights. In a situation bristling with ironies, it is particularly disturbing that the rampant software piracy in developing nations undermines local development of this crucial economic sector, halting growth and actually reinforcing the global dominance of a few U.S. companies. It is urgently necessary to create a legal framework that not only protects licensors and makes piracy unattractive, but also fosters the growth of software and information industries in every country "f and particularly in those emerging countries most desperate for economic recovery. Dr. Singsangob's study is enhanced by in-depth comparative analysis of numerous provisions in applicable laws of the United States, Thailand, and the European Union, as well as international conventions and the U.S. Uniform Computer Information Transaction Act (UCITA). Although he clearly exposes the conflicts and incompatibilities that underlie the complexity of this area of the law, he argues that a viable legal regime is not far to seek, although time must be allowed for the current bias in favour of licensors to be corrected. He asserts that some such fundamental legal change must occur if we are to have a democratic future. This is a book that promises to bearfruit in the thinking and policymaking of professionals in a number of fields, including economic development, contract law, technology development, and communications law.

A Guide to Intellectual Property Law covers the most common forms of intellectual property law, namely copyright, trademarks, patents and the delict of unfair competition.

The book closely follows the relevant legislation and contains explanations of the most important South African cases. The book also introduces the relatively new IP subjects of the internet, biodiversity and traditional knowledge and also includes a chapter on international IP law, in which the main treaties are summarised.

Aimed particularly at students and young professionals, more senior lawyers should also find it useful as a consolidated quick reference handbook.

Contents Include:

• Introduction to IP law
• Copyright
• Trademarks
• Offences & remedies in terms of the Counterfeit Goods Act 37 of 1997
• Patents
• Unlawful competition
• IP & the internet
• Biodiversity & traditional knowledge
• A comprehensive subject index for easy reference

Media, Technology and Copyright is an interdisciplinary work that applies economic theory to central topical issues in the law of intellectual property. Based on the author's professional experience as a professor, lecturer, and consultant, the volume represents the first full-length consideration of the diverse topics of law and copyright by a professional economist. Opening chapters of the book involve issues in the analog domain, including the economics of infringement, fair use, property damages, liability rules, compulsory licensing, and publicity rights. Chapters on digital rights include topics related to software, databases, and cyber-law, including digital rights management, file-sharing, music licensing, deep linking, framing, and contributory infringement. The author also brings economic insights to competition law for intellectual property, including antitrust, copyright misuse, and applications in the European Union. Written in non-technical language for an interdisciplinary audience of lawyers, economists, students, artists, and professionals in the content industry, the book provides a comprehensive study for anyone interested in the issues surrounding intellectual property rights.

'Copyright law has always somehow managed to adapt to new technological and social developments as well as to new artistic and creative practices. However, every time such a development occurs, the legitimate question arises if the system is adaptable or if the breakthrough is so gigantic that a new system needs to be elaborated. In any case, new scholarly reflections are needed in regular intervals and that is exactly the purpose of this fascinating edited collection by Enrico Bonadio and Nicola Lucchi on non-conventional copyright, exploring from various angles the copyright issues of all sorts of creations ranging from unconventional art forms, new music and atypical cultural practices to new advances in technology, not forgetting to investigate the delicate issues around copyright on illegal and immoral works.' - Christophe Geiger, University of Strasbourg, France Copyright law constantly evolves to keep up with societal changes and technological advances. Contemporary forms of creativity can threaten the comfortable conceptions of copyright law as creative people continually find new ways of expressing themselves. In this context, Non-Conventional Copyright identifies possible new spaces for copyright protection. With current copyright law in mind, the contributions explore if the law should be more flexible as to whether new or unconventional forms of expression - including graffiti, tattoos, land art, conceptual art and bio art, engineered DNA, sport movements, jokes, magic tricks, DJ sets, perfume making, typefaces, or illegal and immoral works - deserve protection. Vitally, the contributors suggest that it may be time to challenge some of the basic tenets of copyright laws by embracing more flexible ways to identify protectable works and interpret the current requirements for protection. Additionally, some contributors cast doubts about whether copyright is the right instrument to address and regulate these forms of expression. Contemporary in topic, this thought-provoking book will be essential reading for intellectual property law scholars, practitioners and policymakers. Creative people and those involved in the creative industries will also find this book an engaging read. Contributors include: E. Bonadio, S. Burke, C. Cronin, T. Dagne, T.W. Dornis, F.J. Dougherty, T.M. Gates, M.P. George, E. Haber, S. Karapapa, Y.M. King, T. Iverson, N. Lucchi, G. Mazziotti, J. McCutcheon, L. McDonagh, M. Maggiore, P. Mezei, M. Mimler, A.G. Scaria, C.Y.N. Smith, X. Tang

This collection is an inspiration and a delight for those advocates fighting for access to knowledge in the 21st century. The work highlights a number of 21st century challenges - including the obstacles of restrictive licensing; the barriers and obstacles of intellectual property; and the threats posed by international trade agreements. This collection provides a toolbox of policy solutions to deal with such hazards. The work highlights how information and knowledge can be unlocked through open access licensing, progressive intellectual property law reform, and fair trade.' - Matthew Rimmer, Australian Research Council, ANU College of Law and the Australian Centre for Intellectual Property in Agriculture'In a knowledge economy, access to information and knowledge takes on an ever-increasing role. But certain knowledge outputs are protected by exclusive intellectual property rights, which in one way or another restrict access to some information. It is therefore timely to examine these access issues in greater detail. The fact that this volume offers such a detailed analysis is its greatest strength. The in-depth analysis of all these aspects makes this a truly fascinating book!' - Paul Torremans, University of Nottingham, UK 'This is an important book that brings together leading scholars from Europe and the United States to explore the access challenge in intellectual property law. It reframes the debate by focusing on the critical role of timely access to information in innovation-based economies. Well worth the read.' - Michael W. Carroll, American University Washington College of Law, US Massive quantities of information are required to fuel the innovation process in a knowledge-based economy; a requirement that is in tension with intellectual property (IP) laws. Against this backdrop, leading thinkers in the IP arena explore the 'access challenge' of the 21st century, framed as the tension between the interest in the free flow of information and the fragmentation of knowledge resulting from strong IP laws. In some areas this tension seems to resolve in a shift of IP laws in the direction of greater openness, whether due to new business models, improved legal tools or access-friendly interpretations of existing laws. The book's chapters explore the challenges encountered by this 'opening' process from various perspectives, including: - open access to public sector and scientific research data - enhanced use of licensing - reshaping the contours of individual IP laws - inclusion of new stakeholders in the IP debate - challenges to the information flow in the international arena. In identifying some of the core IP-related challenges to the process of adapting to the knowledge needs of the new economy, this book will provide an enlightening read for academics, policymakers and lawyers concerned with IP laws and the flow of knowledge. Contributors: J. Axhamn, D. Beldiman, D.L. Burk, E. Ellyne, C. Geiger, L. Guibault, R. Kampf, M. Marzetti, M. Ricolfi, I. Schneider, M. Senftleben, A. Stazi, P. Yu