Commission brings Intellectual Property Rights into the 21st century

On 24 May 2011, the European Commission adopted a comprehensive strategy to revamp the legal framework in which intellectual property rights (IPR) operate.

Intellectual property rights cover a vast area of products and creative works that we all come across in everyday life. Think for instance of films, music, books, cars, mobile phones, food, and industrial equipment; the list is endless.

How we use, reproduce, lease, buy or sell these licensed 'products' is governed by IPR. As the list is varied and long, IPR divide into many different categories: patents, trademarks, designs and geographical indications, as well as copyright, authors’ rights, and rights related to copyright for performers, producers and broadcasters.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Commission sets out 'blueprint' for Intellectual Property Rights to boost creativity and innovation http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-commission-sets-out-blueprint-for-intellectual-property-rights-to-boost-creativity-and-innovation/

European Commission: DG Internal Market and Services: Publications: Single Market News http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/smn/index_en.htm

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