THE GENEVA ACT: A NEW BOOK

The IPKat has received a very handsome review copy of his friend William T. Fryer III's new book, The Geneva Act (1999) of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs: Drafting History and Analysis. Published this year by Kluwer Law International, this little book (238 pages, including appendices) contains the fullest account of this little-loved and even less understood Agreement that anyone is ever likely to encounter in this lifetime.

The author

Professor Fryer participated in the meetings and diplomatic conference that led to the 1999 Act, as well as a subsequent user meeting), so he is uniquely qualified to comment on it. His book presents a detailed drafting history and expert analysis, as well as strategic guidance for attorneys, businesses and governments in the implementation of the Act's provisions. Readers will enjoy

* an overall understanding of how the 1999 Act operates to amend and update the Hague Agreement;

* expert analysis of the Act's key features;

* detailed exploration of the Act's provisions to protect industrial designs;

* strategic insights into using the Act's provisions to protect industrial designs;

* guidance for governments considering adherence to the Act and

* a source book for the main treaty documents.

The IPKat says well done, Bill. I hope it sells. Merpel adds, well done Kluwer, too: it can be hard these days to find a law publisher who has confidence in a one-off book on a niche subject.