EU legislation for the protection of designs has been described as a `third way' in contrast to traditional concepts of design protection. This book provides a thorough appraisal of the EU's unique Design Approach; assessing its formation, development and impact over the past decade. The EU Design Approach explores the rationale behind the creation of the Approach; including contributions from two leading EU scholars who were involved in its conception. The contributing authors provide an assessment of the impact that the Design Approach has had on present EU laws, national law systems...

Large-scale, interoperable biobanks are an increasingly important asset in today's life science research and, as a result, multiple types of biobanks are being established around the globe with very different financial, organizational and legal set-ups. With interdisciplinary chapters written by lawyers, sociologists, doctors and biobank practitioners, Global Genes, Local Concerns identifies and discusses the most pressing issues in contemporary biobanking. This timely book addresses pressing questions such as: how do national biobanks best contribute to translational research?; What are...

This book addresses the growing importance of trade secrets in today's society and business and the related increase in litigation, media and scholarly attention. Written by a team of international experts, it uses the new EU Trade Secrets Directive as a prism through which to discuss the complex legal issues involved. Featuring both EU and wider international perspectives, chapters examine the Directive's aim of harmonizing legislation on the protection of trade secrets across the EU, and discuss how this has been implemented by member states. Contributors also explore the effects of the...