The module examines British, European, and international rules on patents, copyright, industrial designs, trade marks, and utility models, with special emphasis on the EC's extensive harmonisation program. The Paris, Berne and Rome Conventions, on industrial property, copyright and neighbouring rights respectively, are covered. So are the European and Community Patent Conventions, the TRIPs agreement (part of the World Trade Organisation) and the Madrid and Hague Agreements (on trademarks, designs, and international registration respectively). EC legislation examined in-depth includes: copyright directives; the Community-wide trade-mark system and accompanying trade-mark harmonisation; the proposed EC system for registering and harmonising design rights and utility models; and the impact of Community rules on free movement and competition.