Foreword

• Author: Madam Justice Beverley Mclachlin
• Pages: 17-17

FOREWORD

Communication, invention, and commerce are the engines that propel

our society. It comes as no surprise, then, that the branches of law

which govern the rights of people to the products of mind fuelling these

engines should enjoy increasing prominence as we approach the twenty-

first century.

Canada is responding in its own unique way to the needs for better

law in the field of intellectual property. As a result, our law of copyright,

patent, and trade-marks has undergone important changes in recent

decades. The law of intellectual property not only touches more people

than ever before but touches them in new and different ways.

Canadians, more than ever before, stand in need of a guide to mark

the new and emerging boundaries of the law of copyright, patent, and

trade-marks. To meet that need, David Vaver has written this book. On

a subject noted for its complexity, it offers simplicity. The rules are set

out with clarity and concision. Exceptions are succinctly detailed. Policy

issues are objectively discussed. This is the type of book that interested

persons — non-lawyers and lawyers alike — can access with ease. It

constitutes an important addition to the legal literature on copyright,

patent, and trade-marks. I recommend it unreservedly to lawyers, stu-

dents,

and the creators of ideas whose rights it addresses.

The Honourable Madam Justice Beverley McLachlin

Supreme Court of Canada