Chapter 7 – Intellectual property law was opened on 31 March 2014.
Intellectual property covers the right of authors and related rights, and the right of industrial property.
It is the right of owners to possess their literary, scientific, or art works, and works in other creative areas. The aim of European regulations related to intellectual property rights is to adjust national regulations in Member States so as to ensure to keep pace with technological developments and international commitments under the framework of the World Intellectual Property Organisation.
Industrial property encompasses the rights protecting producers’ business interest from competition, their market position, and the funds they invest in R&D and product promotion. Industrial design protects the external shape and form of the product together with certain other aspects and properties and trademarks that distinguish products from similar ones.
The EU acquis ensures a common starting point for protecting industrial design and establishes a Community Design (RCD) and a Community Trade Mark (CTM).