Patents, Copyrights, and the European Union?

Question

I'm looking for some examples of how the EU handles patent law and copyright law. The EU is MUCH more "free-trade" friendly than the USA in their harmonization of competition laws. I'm wondering how this applies to patents and copyrights in particular.

First of all, if you're going to answer, please do your research....the first answerer did NOT do his....
I request that you provide citations, if possible, to any and all sources you use to answer this question.

Answer 1

The EU nations are subscribers to the World Intellectual Property Organization, and thus the Madrid Protocols. Check out the WIPO website for specifics on the protections granted, and their differences with the U.S.

Answer 2

First, the EU is not more friendly than the US when it comes to all copyright and patent law. Mostly, it is the exact same law because patent laws are governed also by international treaties to ensure they are followed worldwide.

The embodiment of the EU's copyright and trademark laws are the so-called PDOs. For instance, in EU countries, Parmasan cheese can only be called such if it is made in Parma, Italy. It is the same with Newcastle Ale, champagne, and cologne.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protected_designation_of_origin