<i>‘The question addressed in this book - whether taking a pluralist approach in intellectual property is “functional“ in the sense that it yields better results than full and binding harmonisation - touches on one of the most central issues that policymakers, and also scholars, around the world face. As the book impressively demonstrates, the answers are as many as the issues addressed in the chapters, and as individual as the authors, who, as members of ATRIP, represent the intellectual richness and diversity of the global community of intellectual property scholars. However, as, Susy Frankel writes in her introduction, pluralism may remain the preferred choice where that is motivated by economic and cultural diversities, and also where room is needed to “experiment” with new solutions. In any case, the many viewpoints presented in this book provide valuable insights into the dynamic, continuous interaction between international norms and national solutions, and their common evolvement.’</i>
- Annette Kur, Max Planck Institute, Munich; ATRIP president 2007-2009,
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.