The aim of this book is to show that the relevant law is not as difficult as is sometimes imagined, certainly in its general application. The minutiae can be left to the legal professionals who love to analyse the fine detail. The knowledge of the overall principles an engineer needs in order to use intellectual property (IP) law need not be deep, and can even be limited to a recognition of when to seek legal advice. This book goes further than that step, although it is far from being a legal text book. It is written on the basis that engineers generally like to know the reason for doing something. It tries to explain the general principles of the law protecting innovation, without going into great detail or giving all the exceptions to a general rule. It quotes the law and legal cases only if the author thinks this will help to make a point clear. The book therefore gives only an outline and general guidance, and expert advice is still essential in many cases.

Inspec keywords: industrial property

Other keywords: legal professionals; intellectual property law; engineers; intellectual property rights

Subjects: Legal aspects