1 INTRODUCTION I Definition of the Problem II Methodology III S tructure of the Book 2 INTERNATIONAL LAW I The Legal Framework II Copyright and Designs III Copyright and Trademarks IV Trademarks and Designs V Trademarks and Patents VI Patents and Designs VII C opyright and Patents VIII Patents and Plant Variety Rights IX Intellectual Property Rights and Unfair Competition X Conclusion: Identification of Principles Governing Overlaps in the International Agreements and Remaining Open Questions 3 EUROPEAN LAW I The Legal Framework II Copyright and Designs III Copyright and Trademarks IV Trademarks and Designs V Designs and Patents VI Trademarks and Patents VII Copyright and Patents VIII Patents and Plant Variety Rights IX Intellectual Property Rights and Unfair Competition X Conclusion: Identification of Principles Governing Overlaps in European Law and Remaining Open Questions 4 FRANCE I The Legal Framework II Copyright and Designs III Copyright and Trademarks IV Trademarks and Designs V Trademarks and Patents VI Patents and Designs VII Copyright and Patents VIII Patents and Plant Variety Rights IX Intellectual Property Rights and Unfair Competition X Conclusion: Identification of Principles Governing Overlaps in French Law and Remaining Open Questions 5 UNITED KINGDOM I The Legal Framework II Copyright and Designs III Copyright and Trademarks IV Trademarks and Designs V Trademarks and Patents VI Patents and Designs VII Copyright and Patents VIII Patents and Plant Variety Rights IX Intellectual Property Rights and Unfair Competition X Conclusion: Identification of Principles Governing Overlaps in UK Law and Remaining Open Questions 6 GERMANY I The Legal Framework II Copyright and Designs III Copyright and Trademarks IV Trademarks and Designs V Trademarks and Patents VI Copyright and Patents VII Patents and Plant Variety Rights VIII Intellectual Property Rights and Unfair Competition IX Conclusion: Identification of Principles Governing Overlaps in German Law and Remaining Open Questions 7 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS, CONCLUSION AND OUTLOOK I Similarities and Differences Between the Legal Systems in the Rules Regulating the Overlaps II Reasons for the Prohibition or Authorisation of Overlaps III Determination of Criteria to Organise the Overlaps IV Solutions to Problems Caused by the Overlaps According to Criteria Developed in Section III V Conclusion and Outlook.