Is Intellectual Property Pluralism Functional?

The international intellectual property (IP) law system allows states to develop policies that reflect their national interests. Therefore, although there is an international minimum standards framework in place, states have widely varying IP laws and differing interpretations of these laws. This book examines whether pluralism in IP law is functional when applied to copyright, patents and trademarks on an international basis.

The book is divided into four parts which focus on the interaction between global standards and national norms, pluralism within the framework of international norms, pluralistic functions of copyright and the flexibility applied to patent law. Within these themes, topical issues are addressed such as traditional knowledge, geographical indications, protecting plant varieties and freedom of expression. Contributors are drawn from a range of jurisdictions to provide a global outlook on the topics at hand.

Researchers and scholars who are interested in international IP law and its applications will find this to be a valuable resource. Policy makers will also benefit from the contributors'' insights on whether law reforms in their home jurisdictions have been effective and how these laws interact with the international IP system.