Intellectual property law in Australia has changed dramatically in the last decade and continues to change. These changes are the product of a number of different influences. One of these has been developments in technology such as the rise in the importance of the internet and the use of computer technology generally, developments in biotechnology and changes in plant breeding. Each of these technological influences has had its effects on almost every facet of intellectual property law.

Other influences have included the globalisation of trade, which has resulted in a push for harmonisation of intellectual property laws, and the increasing importance of superbrands or trade marks with global appeal and selling power. This has led to newinternational treaties and a return to the use of bilateral trade agreements. Globalisation has also resulted in greater pressure to expand the rights of intellectual property owners as they endeavour to capture the potential benefits of ownership in an increasingly affluent and integrated world economy.

The increasing importance of intellectual property has given rise to an increasing need for an understanding of the technicalities of intellectual property law. Both due to and despite some of the harmonising effects of globalisation, Australian law in this area has continued to develop and expand.

This book attempts to provide a detailed and scholarly insight into Australian intellectual property law. Its primary emphasis is on the legal principles and the complexities in that law.