Guidebook to Intellectual Property

Publication details

Robin Jacob, Matthew Fisher and Lynne Chave, Guidebook to Intellectual Property (7/e, Hart 2022)

Abstract

This is the new edition of a unique book about intellectual property original based upon three pamphlets written for the business community in the 1940s (later collated into a single book in 1962) by the renowned IP barrister, Thomas Blanco White QC - long before intellectual property law was taught in law schools. Blanco White’s many pupils have included Professors William Cornish (who went on to establish the first university IP course at the LSE) and IBIL’s own Sir Robin Jacob, who has been an author of this work since the second edition of book issued in 1970.

The Guidebook does not try to expound the minute details of IP law, but instead provides an outline of the basic legal principles, educating the reader as to the shape of the law, thereby making it suitable for those new to the subject, including both law students and those in business people needing a general idea of the subject. Critically, it also gives an insight into how the system actually works. You cannot understand chess by merely learning the rules – you also have to know how the game is played: so too with intellectual property.

All major areas of IP – patents, trade marks, copyright and designs – are covered, along with briefer treatment of other rights and subjects such as breach of confidence, plant varieties and databases. The authors deliberately avoid technicalities: keeping things simple, yet direct. There are no footnotes to distract. Although cases are, inevitably, referred to, they are explained in a pithy, accessible manner.

A novice reader should come away both with a clear outline of IP law, while students will be able to put their more detailed study into perspective. Users will be able to understand better how IP affects them and their businesses.

Find more about the book, including how to buy a discounted copy of this book here.