Book Description

Recognized since its first edition as the preeminent work on its subject, this incomparable book thoroughly and expertly examines the intricacies of the provisions concerning trademarks and industrial designs enshrined in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (the TRIPS Agreement). It is organized as a paragraph-by-paragraph annotated text of the Agreement, with detailed commentary not only on the articles specifically dealing with industrial property but also on every clause in the agreement that could affect the protection of trademarks and/or designs. The fourth edition brings the author's prodigious analysis of case law, dispute settlements, ongoing scholarship and other pertinent developments fully up to date. With the authority and in-depth experience of a former long-time WIPO official with unparalleled knowledge of WTO Members' practices in implementing TRIPS provisions, Nuno Pires de Carvalho brings his practical insight and vast scholarship to such complex questions as the following: • What are signs that can constitute trademarks? Which elements assist in identifying a well-known mark? • What are the limitations on the protection of non visually perceptible marks like sounds, scents and tastes? • What lessons can we learn so far from the Dispute Settlement Mechanism? • What are WTO Members' obligations as regards marks that relate to goods and services that offend religious and moral values? Are they obliged to register and protect them? • How strict is the TRIPS Agreement as regards the use of industrial property in relation to public policies? Are private rights limitless? Are they enforceable no matter what? The recent worldwide phenomenon of measures involving the use of trademarks to pursue public health goals through plain packaging schemes is thoroughly analyzed and evaluated. Lawyers, judges, scholars and government officials will find a wealth of information and legal analysis in this new edition of that will help them identify new approaches and solutions to problems of trademark and design law posed by the implementation of the TRIPS Agreement. With its combination of practically focused article-by-article commentary and scholarly analysis and insight, this edition will be an invaluable resource to all those who wish to understand industrial property at a deeper level.